Modulation Of Balance Research Articles

Balanced Multi-Cell Modulation for Flash Memory

The cell (i.e., the storage unit) in flash memory is a floating-gate MOSFET where data is stored in the form of trapped charge into its floating gate. The flash memory die is organized into blocks where each block consists of multiple wordlines that can be individually programmed. Each wordline consists of tens of thousands of cells and is organised into log <sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">2</sub> (q) pages where q is the number of threshold voltage levels a cell has. The pages are separately encoded to enable reading them individually. A key parameter of flash memory is its random read speed where small chunks of data are read from random addresses. The disparity in random read speed across pages can be minimized by using a balanced Gray labelling (BGL) to map the binary data into threshold voltages which allows reading different pages with almost the same number of sensing operations. We provide new BGL instances whereby multi-cell modulation (MCM) is used to map binary data into threshold voltages of multiple cells. The proposed modulations are found through computer search routines and are shown to improve the flash memory reliability via numerical simulations.

Role of Oxidative Stress in the Mechanisms of Anthracycline-Induced Cardiotoxicity: Effects of Preventive Strategies.

Anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity (AIC) persists as a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in cancer survivors. Although many protective strategies have been evaluated, cardiotoxicity remains an ongoing threat. The mechanisms of AIC remain unclear; however, several pathways have been proposed, suggesting a multifactorial origin. When the central role of topoisomerase 2β in the pathophysiology of AIC was described some years ago, the classical reactive oxygen species (ROS) hypothesis shifted to a secondary position. However, new insights have reemphasized the importance of the role of oxidative stress-mediated signaling as a common pathway and a critical modulator of the different mechanisms involved in AIC. A better understanding of the mechanisms of cardiotoxicity is crucial for the development of treatment strategies. It has been suggested that the available therapeutic interventions for AIC could act on the modulation of oxidative balance, leading to a reduction in oxidative stress injury. These indirect antioxidant effects make them an option for the primary prevention of AIC. In this review, our objective is to provide an update of the accumulated knowledge on the role of oxidative stress in AIC and the modulation of the redox balance by potential preventive strategies.

Protective Effect of Optic Atrophy 1 on Cardiomyocyte Oxidative Stress: Roles of Mitophagy, Mitochondrial Fission, and MAPK/ERK Signaling.

Myocardial infarction is associated with oxidative stress and mitochondrial damage. However, the regulatory mechanisms underlying cardiomyocyte oxidative stress during myocardial infarction are not fully understood. In the present study, we explored the cardioprotective action of optic atrophy 1- (Opa1-) mediated mitochondrial autophagy (mitophagy) in oxidative stress-challenged cardiomyocytes, with a focus on mitochondrial homeostasis and the MAPK/ERK pathway. Our results demonstrated that overexpression of Opa1 in cultured rat H9C2 cardiomyocytes, a procedure that stimulates mitophagy, attenuates oxidative stress and increases cellular antioxidant capacity. Activation of Opa1-mediated mitophagy suppressed cardiomyocyte apoptosis by downregulating Bax, caspase-9, and caspase-12 and upregulating Bcl-2 and c-IAP. Using mitochondrial tracker staining and a reactive oxygen species indicator, our assays showed that Opa1-mediated mitophagy attenuated mitochondrial fission and reduced ROS production in cardiomyocytes. In addition, we found that inhibition of the MAPK/ERK pathway abolished the antioxidant action of Opa1-mediated mitophagy in these cells. Taken together, our data demonstrate that Opa1-mediated mitophagy protects cardiomyocytes against oxidative stress damage through inhibition of mitochondrial fission and activation of MAPK/ERK signaling. These findings reveal a critical role for Opa1 in the modulation of cardiomyocyte redox balance and suggest a potential target for the treatment of myocardial infarction.

Modulation of flexo-rigid balance in photoresponsive thymine grafted copolymers towards designing smart healable coating.

Efficacy and durability of the photovoltaic device mandates its protection against hot, humid weather condition, high energy of UV light and unwanted scratches. Such challenges can be mitigated by smart polymeric coating with inherent properties e.g. hydrophobicity to prevent moisture, optimal viscocity for better processibility and crack-healing. The hydrophobic polymers TP1–TP4 containing pendant photo-crosslinkable thymine moieties are designed that undergo [2 + 2] photocycloaddition upon UVB irradiation and can be dynamically reverted back upon irradiation with UVC light. A judicious control of solvent environment, chain length, functionality% and concentration of the polymers regulate the aspects of photodimerization thereby, rendering intra or inter-chain collapse to form diverse nanostructures. Photodimerization of the thymine moieties renders coil to globule transformation in dilute condition whereas irradiation performed at high macromolecular concentration regime exhibits higher order nanostructures. The photoresponsive chain collapse leads to the formation of rigid crosslinked domains within flexible polymer chains akin to the hard–soft phases of thermoplastic elastomers. Such rigidification of the crosslinked segments endows a tool to photomodulate the glass transition temperature (Tg) that can dynamically revert back upon decrosslinking. Further, the structural modulation of the polymers is explored towards autonomic and nonautonomic self-healing behaviour at ambient conditions. Moreover, the self-healing efficacy can be tuned with the film thickness and it remains unaltered upon using solar simulator or direct sunlight. Overall, such hydrophobic low Tg polymers display photo-regulated self-healing mechanism consisting of both autonomic and non-autonomic self-healing and may find applications in designing smart protective coatings for photovoltaic devices.

АНАЛИЗ ПАРАМЕТРИЧЕСКОЙ ЧУВСТВИТЕЛЬНОСТИ СПОСОБА ОПТИМИЗАЦИИ СТРУКТУРЫ СПЕКТРАЛЬНО-ЭФФЕКТИВНЫХ РАДИОСИГНАЛОВ

Currently, increasing the speed of information transmission in wireless communication networks is a topical issue. The growing demand for spectral efficiency in radio communication systems gives rise to the introduction of signals with amplitude-phase modulation. Despite all its advantages, signals with vector modulation are characterized by a change in the envelope, which makes it impossible to use highly efficient nonlinear power amplifiers. Energy efficiency is clearly a critical factor in portable radio communications systems, where power supplies are often used in small packages, and the presence of energy losses due to heat dissipation is a significant drawback that requires additional cooling systems. In this connection, when developing modern radio communications, radio engineers are faced with the contradictory task of achieving maximum energy and spectral efficiency. One of the approaches to reduce nonlinear distortion of vector modulation is the use linearization schemes for nonlinear power amplifiers. This work is devoted to increasing the energy and spectral efficiency of signals with amplitude-phase modulation. The article discusses the restrictions imposed on the input signals for the method for optimizing of structure of spectrally effective radio signals with vector modulation, the formation of the output signal, the influence of phase shifters phase imbalance on p/2, the index of balance modulation, and the analysis of parametric sensitivity. The possibility of using quadrature modulators to form components with phase modulation and constant envelope is considered. This method was simulated and the effect of phase imbalance on the shape of the output signal constellation was revealed.

Oxygen-Enriched Metal-Phenolic X-Ray Nanoprocessor for Cancer Radio-Radiodynamic Therapy in Combination with Checkpoint Blockade Immunotherapy.

Radiotherapy (RT) based on DNA damage and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation has been clinically validated in various types of cancer. However, high dose‐dependent induced toxicity to tissues, non‐selectivity, and radioresistance greatly limit the application of RT. Herein, an oxygen‐enriched X‐ray nanoprocessor Hb@Hf‐Ce6 nanoparticle is developed for improving the therapeutic effect of RT‐radiodynamic therapy (RDT), enhancing modulation of hypoxia tumor microenvironment (TME) and promoting antitumor immune response in combination with programmed cell death protein 1 (PD‐1) immune checkpoint blockade. All functional molecules are integrated into the nanoparticle based on metal‐phenolic coordination, wherein one high‐Z radiosensitizer (hafnium, Hf) coordinated with chlorin e6 (Ce6) modified polyphenols and a promising oxygen carrier (hemoglobin, Hb) is encapsulated for modulation of oxygen balance in the hypoxia TME. Specifically, under single X‐ray irradiation, radioluminescence excited by Hf can activate photosensitizer Ce6 for ROS generation by RDT. Therefore, this combinatory strategy induces comprehensive antitumor immune response for cancer eradication and metastasis inhibition. This work presents a multifunctional metal‐phenolic nanoplatform for efficient X‐ray mediated RT‐RDT in combination with immunotherapy and may provide a new therapeutic option for cancer treatment.

Development of special measuring tool for trace of micro force value

This paper introduces the development of the special traceability measuring tool for microforce value with the test force range of 0.009807 N ~ 9.807 N (1 gf ~ 1 kgf) and the accuracy of better than ± 0.1 %, including the selection of the electromagnetic balance module, the design of the hardware structure, and the compilation of the software program. Finally, the special traceability measuring tool integrating the test measurement, automatic data collection and automatic data processing is realized, and the test verification result is given. It provides a method to solve the problem of trace the small force value of existing micro Vickers hardness tester and Knoop hardness tester.

Exopolysaccharides from Lactobacillus plantarum YW11 improve immune response and ameliorate inflammatory bowel disease symptoms

Exopolysaccharides (EPSs) possess many bioactivities such as immune regulation, antioxidant, anti-tumor and modulation of intestinal microbial balance but their direct effect on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) response has not been studied. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of EPS produced by L. plantarum YW11 administered at different dosages in IBD mouse model induced with 5% dextran sulphate sodium (DSS). The DSS-induced colitis, accompanied by body weight loss, reduction of colon coefficient and histological colon injury was considerably ameliorated in mice fed the EPS (10 mg/kg). The middle dose of the EPS (25 mg/kg) could effectively recover the intestinal microbial diversity and increase the abundance of Roseburia, Ruminococcus and Blautia with increased content of butyric acid. Moreover, EPS also reduced the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IFN-γ, IL-12 and IL-18) and enhanced the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. This study showed that EPS might help in modulation of gut microbiota and improve the immunity of the host to reduce the risk of IBD symptoms.

A Soft-Switching Transformer-Less Step-Down Converter Based on Resonant Current Balance Module

In this article, a soft-switching transformer-less step-down converter based on a resonant current balance module is proposed. An LED driver is taken as an example of the analysis and design of the converter. The converter is made up of a stacked half-bridge, resonant current balance modules, and pairs of light-emitting diode (LED) strings. The resonant current balance modules allow the proposed converter to realize automatic current sharing, soft switching, and extending to a 1/N converter. The proposed converter can operate in discontinuous conduction mode (DCM) or continuous conduction mode (CCM) mode by choosing different operation frequencies, and achieve zero current switching or zero voltage switching (ZVS), respectively. Also, by using frequency doubling technique in the half-bridge, the switching losses are reduced by half under the same conditions. A 15.8-W experimental prototype with 100 V input voltage and 25 V output voltage has been implemented in the laboratory, verifying the feasibility of the soft-switching transformer-less step-down converter.

Lipid Rafts and Dopamine Receptor Signaling.

The renal dopaminergic system has been identified as a modulator of sodium balance and blood pressure. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2018 in the United States, almost half a million deaths included hypertension as a primary or contributing cause. Renal dopamine receptors, members of the G protein-coupled receptor family, are divided in two groups: D1-like receptors that act to keep the blood pressure in the normal range, and D2-like receptors with a variable effect on blood pressure, depending on volume status. The renal dopamine receptor function is regulated, in part, by its expression in microdomains in the plasma membrane. Lipid rafts form platforms within the plasma membrane for the organization and dynamic contact of molecules involved in numerous cellular processes such as ligand binding, membrane sorting, effector specificity, and signal transduction. Understanding all the components of lipid rafts, their interaction with renal dopamine receptors, and their signaling process offers an opportunity to unravel potential treatment targets that could halt the progression of hypertension, chronic kidney disease (CKD), and their complications.

TruingDet: Towards high-quality visual automatic defect inspection for mental surface

Visual surface defect detection, which aims to obtain the locations of defects and classify each defect into the corresponding category in a given image, is a critical task in an actual production process. Nowadays, more and more methods have made excellent progress in visual defect inspection. However, there still exist three tough challenges where these methods cannot handle well: large defect shape change, large-scale variation, and high-quality defect localization. In this paper, a Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) based visual defect detection framework is proposed, which elegantly mitigated these three problems by introducing three well-designed components including deformable convolution module, balanced feature pyramid module and cascade head module. First, the feature maps contained with defect shape information are adaptively extracted by Resnet/ResneXt network with the deformable convolution operator. Then the balanced feature pyramid module is attached to the feature extraction module to obtain information-fused multilayer feature maps. Finally, the cascade head is applied to refine the predicted bounding box to achieve high-quality defect localization. Under the COCO evaluation metrics, our method significantly obtains 45.2 mAP with a large margin (4.9 AP) compared with Faster RCNN baseline.

Modulation of sleep-courtship balance by nutritional status in Drosophila.

Sleep is essential but incompatible with other behaviors, and thus sleep drive competes with other motivations. We previously showed Drosophila males balance sleep and courtship via octopaminergic neurons that act upstream of courtship-regulating P1 neurons (Machado et al., 2017). Here, we show nutrition modulates the sleep-courtship balance and identify sleep-regulatory neurons downstream of P1 neurons. Yeast-deprived males exhibited attenuated female-induced nighttime sleep loss yet normal daytime courtship, which suggests male flies consider nutritional status in deciding whether the potential benefit of pursuing female partners outweighs the cost of losing sleep. Trans-synaptic tracing and calcium imaging identified dopaminergic neurons projecting to the protocerebral bridge (DA-PB) as postsynaptic partners of P1 neurons. Activation of DA-PB neurons led to reduced sleep in normally fed but not yeast-deprived males. Additional PB-projecting neurons regulated male sleep, suggesting several groups of PB-projecting neurons act downstream of P1 neurons to mediate nutritional modulation of the sleep-courtship balance.

MRU-NET: A U-Shaped Network for Retinal Vessel Segmentation

Fundus blood vessel image segmentation plays an important role in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and is the basis of computer-aided diagnosis. Feature information from the retinal blood vessel image is relatively complicated, and the existing algorithms are sometimes difficult to perform effective segmentation with. Aiming at the problems of low accuracy and low sensitivity of the existing segmentation methods, an improved U-shaped neural network (MRU-NET) segmentation method for retinal vessels was proposed. Firstly, the image enhancement algorithm and random segmentation method are used to solve the problems of low contrast and insufficient image data of the original image. Moreover, smaller image blocks after random segmentation are helpful to reduce the complexity of the U-shaped neural network model; secondly, the residual learning is introduced into the encoder and decoder to improve the efficiency of feature use and to reduce information loss, and a feature fusion module is introduced between the encoder and decoder to extract image features with different granularities; and finally, a feature balancing module is added to the skip connections to resolve the semantic gap between low-dimensional features in the encoder and high-dimensional features in decoder. Experimental results show that our method has better accuracy and sensitivity on the DRIVE and STARE datasets (accuracy (ACC) = 0.9611, sensitivity (SE) = 0.8613; STARE: ACC = 0.9662, SE = 0.7887) than some of the state-of-the-art methods.

Altered skeletal muscle glucose-fatty acid flux in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is characterized by the degeneration of upper and lower motor neurons, yet an increasing number of studies in both mouse models and patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis suggest that altered metabolic homeostasis is also a feature of disease. Pre-clinical and clinical studies have shown that modulation of energy balance can be beneficial in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. However, the capacity to target specific metabolic pathways or mechanisms requires detailed understanding of metabolic dysregulation in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Here, using the superoxide dismutase 1, glycine to alanine substitution at amino acid 93 (SOD1G93A) mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, we demonstrate that an increase in whole-body metabolism occurs at a time when glycolytic muscle exhibits an increased dependence on fatty acid oxidation. Using myotubes derived from muscle of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients, we also show that increased dependence on fatty acid oxidation is associated with increased whole-body energy expenditure. In the present study, increased fatty acid oxidation was associated with slower disease progression. However, within the patient cohort, there was considerable heterogeneity in whole-body metabolism and fuel oxidation profiles. Thus, future studies that decipher specific metabolic changes at an individual patient level are essential for the development of treatments that aim to target metabolic pathways in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Network-level mechanisms underlying effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on visuomotor learning

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation approach in which low level currents are administered over the scalp to influence underlying brain function. Prevailing theories of tDCS focus on modulation of excitation-inhibition balance at the local stimulation location. However, network level effects are reported as well, and appear to depend upon differential underlying mechanisms. Here, we evaluated potential network-level effects of tDCS during the Serial Reaction Time Task (SRTT) using convergent EEG- and fMRI-based connectivity approaches. Motor learning manifested as a significant (p<.0001) shift from slow to fast responses and corresponded to a significant increase in beta-coherence (p<.0001) and fMRI connectivity (p<.01) particularly within the visual-motor pathway. Differential patterns of tDCS effect were observed within different parametric task versions, consistent with network models. Overall, these findings demonstrate objective physiological effects of tDCS at the network level that result in effective behavioral modulation when tDCS parameters are matched to network-level requirements of the underlying task.

Activities of leaf and spike carbohydrate-metabolic and antioxidant enzymes are linked with yield performance in three spring wheat genotypes grown under well-watered and drought conditions

BackgroundTo improve our understanding about the physiological mechanism of grain yield reduction at anthesis, three spring wheat genotypes [L1 (advanced line), L2 (Vorobey) and L3 (Punjab-11)] having contrasting yield potential under drought in field were investigated under controlled greenhouse conditions, drought stress was imposed at anthesis stage by withholding irrigation until all plant available water was depleted, while well-watered control plants were kept at 95% pot water holding capacity.ResultsCompared to genotype L1 and L2, pronounced decrease in grain number (NGS), grain yield (GY) and harvest index (HI) were found in genotype L3, mainly due to its greater kernel abortion (KA) under drought. A significant positive correlation of leaf monodehydroascorbate reductase (MDHAR) with both NGS and HI was observed. In contrast, significant negative correlations of glutathione S-transferase (GST) and vacuolar invertase (vacInv) both within source and sink were found with NGS and HI. Likewise, a significant negative correlation of leaf abscisic acid (ABA) with NGS was noticed. Moreover, leaf aldolase and cell wall peroxidase (cwPOX) activities were significantly and positively associated with thousand kernel weight (TKW).ConclusionDistinct physiological markers correlating with yield traits and higher activity of leaf aldolase and cwPOX may be chosen as predictive biomarkers for higher TKW. Also, higher activity of MDHAR within the leaf can be selected as a predictive biomarker for higher NGS in wheat under drought. Whereas, lower activity of vacInv and GST both within leaf and spike can be selected as biomarkers for higher NGS and HI. The results highlighted the role of antioxidant and carbohydrate-metabolic enzymes in the modulation of source-sink balance in wheat crops, which could be used as bio-signatures for breeding and selection of drought-resilient wheat genotypes for a future drier climate.

The seed-specific heat shock factor A9 regulates the depth of dormancy in Medicago truncatula seeds via ABA signalling.

During the later stages of seed maturation, two key adaptive traits are acquired that contribute to seed lifespan and dispersal, longevity and dormancy. The seed-specific heat shock transcription factor A9 is an important hub gene in the transcriptional network of late seed maturation. Here, we demonstrate that HSFA9 plays a role in thermotolerance rather than in ex situ seed conservation. Storage of hsfa9 seeds of Medicago truncatula and Arabidopsis had comparable lifespan at moderate storage relative humidity (RH), whereas at high RH, hsfa9 seeds lost their viability much faster than wild type seeds. Furthermore, we show that in M. truncatula, Mthsfa9 seeds acquired more dormancy during late maturation than wild type. Transient expression of MtHSFA9 in hairy roots and transcriptome analysis of Mthsfa9 Tnt1 insertion mutants identified a deregulation of genes involved in ABA biosynthesis, catabolism and signalling. Consistent with these results, Mthsfa9 seeds exhibited increased ABA levels and higher sensitivity to ABA. These data suggest that in legumes, HSFA9 acts as a negative regulator of the depth of seed dormancy during seed development via the modulation of hormonal balance.

Flow balance optimization and fluid removal accuracy with the Quanta SC+ hemodialysis system

ABSTRACT Background Fluid management is integral to hemodialysis, both to correct abnormalities in a patient’s plasma composition and to maintain fluid balance. Consequently, accurate net fluid removal during treatment is a critical design element of hemodialysis machines. As dialyzers have evolved, with increased ranges of ultrafiltration coefficients available, it has become more challenging for dialysis machines to minimize errors in flow balance and net fluid removal. Research design and methods This paper describes the design, evaluation and experimental performance of the flow balance and ultrafiltration module of the SC+ system to deliver clinically specified fluid removal with both passive and active control measures, in laboratory conditions designed to simulate a wide range of therapies. Results The use of passive and active control allows the errors to be minimized across a wider dynamic range of conditions. For the SC+ system, the average flow balance error was 1 mL/hr with an SD of 19 mL/hr and with ultrafiltration it was 13 mL/hr and an SD of 20 ml/hr across all conditions. Conclusions This paper demonstrates that the SC+ hemodialysis system, a small, simple and versatile CE marked device, operates within the limits required by international standards across a wide range of experimental conditions.

Unprecedented Syndrome of Nervous System, Bipolar: Clinical Advancement in Cure using iPSCs Cells

Severe illness such as bipolar is most common in developing countries and most populations are affected. Stem cell therapy has been a solution to this cognitive or social defect. This chapter is all about balancing and targeting modulation in the brain but also regenerating cells. With pathological damage in mental illness, there is novel interference such as modulation of a particular cell population. In the particular case of damage, oligodendrites played a crucial role. In this chapter, oligodendrites reveal calcium signals in neural cells. The stimulating mechanism of oligodendrites helps in the proliferation, maturation and myelination response of transplanted cells. The calcium signaling response regulates the neural progenitor cell proliferation, migration, differentiation synaptic plasticity which involves neuropsychiatric diseases in humans. Protein annotation and protein-protein interaction have been highlighted in this chapter. There are 119 calcium-activated proteins in the neuropsychiatry of the human brain. The calcium channel stimulating of stem cells zeros on the advantage of calcium stimulated stem cells and transplants the signal, to channel the drugs in a devised delivery system. This local delivery guidance of the brain delivery method is visualized using brain imaging techniques, providing a unique approach to treatment in psychiatry patients. It was found in our experiments that preconditioning stem cell therapy had high potential during transplantation and advised cared stimulations in procaine shell, synaptic modulation and myelin repair.

Hepatic protein-tyrosine phosphatase 1B disruption and pharmacological inhibition attenuate ethanol-induced oxidative stress and ameliorate alcoholic liver disease in mice

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is a major health problem and a significant cause of liver-related death. Currently, the mainstay for ALD therapy is alcohol abstinence highlighting the need to develop pharmacotherapeutic approaches. Protein-tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) is an established regulator of hepatic functions, but its role in ALD is mostly unexplored. In this study, we used mice with liver-specific PTP1B disruption as well as pharmacological inhibition to investigate the in vivo function of this phosphatase in ALD. We report upregulation of hepatic PTP1B in the chronic plus binge mouse model and, importantly, in liver biopsies of alcoholic hepatitis patients. Also, mice with hepatic PTP1B disruption attenuated ethanol-induced injury, inflammation, and steatosis compared with ethanol-fed control animals. Moreover, PTP1B deficiency was associated with decreased ethanol-induced oxidative stress in vivo and ex vivo. Further, pharmacological modulation of oxidative balance in hepatocytes identified diminished oxidative stress as a contributor to the salutary effects of PTP1B deficiency. Notably, PTP1B pharmacological inhibition elicited beneficial effects and mitigated hepatic injury, inflammation, and steatosis caused by ethanol feeding. In summary, these findings causally link hepatic PTP1B and ALD and define a potential therapeutic target for the management of this disease.