bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On computing secure domination of trees
Authors: Poureidi Abolfazl
Published: November 2020

Let [Formula: see text] be a graph. A subset [Formula: see text] is a dominating set of [Formula: see text] if for each [Formula: see text] there is a vertex [Formula: see text] adjacent to [Formula: see text]. A dominating set [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] is a secure dominating set of [Formula: see text] if for each [Formula: see text] there is a vertex [Formula: see text] adjacent to [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text] is also a dominating set of [Formula: see text]. The minimum cardinality of a secure dominating set of [Formula: see text] is called the secure domination number of [Formula: see text].

Burger et al. [A linear algorithm for secure domination in trees, Discrete Appl. Math. 171 (2014) 15–27] proposed a nontrivial algorithm for computing a minimum secure dominating set of a given tree in linear time and space. In this paper, we give a dynamic programming algorithm to compute the secure domination number of a given tree [Formula: see text] in [Formula: see text] time and space and then using a backtracking search algorithm we can find a minimum secure dominating set of [Formula: see text] in [Formula: see text] time and space that its implementation is much simpler than the implementation of the algorithm proposed by Burger et al.
On the decoding of 1-Fibonacci error correcting codes
Authors: Bellini Emanuele , Marcolla Chiara , Murru Nadir
Published: November 2020

The study of new error correcting codes has raised attention in the last years, especially because of their use in cryptosystems that are resistant to attacks running on quantum computers. In 2006, while leaving a more in-depth analysis for future research, Stakhov gave some interesting ideas on how to exploit Fibonacci numbers to derive an original error correcting code with a compact representation. In this paper, we provide an explicit formula to compute the redundancy of Stakhov codes, we identify some flows in the initial decoding procedure described by Stakhov, whose crucial point is to solve some non-trivial Diophantine equations, and provide a detailed discussion on how to avoid solving such equations in some cases and on how to detect and correct errors more efficiently.
Double hop dominating sets in graphs
Authors: Mollejon Reynaldo V. , Canoy Sergio R.
Published: November 2020

Let [Formula: see text] be a connected graph of order [Formula: see text]. A subset [Formula: see text] is a double hop dominating set (or a double [Formula: see text]-step dominating set) if [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text], for each [Formula: see text]. The smallest cardinality of a double hop dominating set of [Formula: see text], denoted by [Formula: see text], is the double hop domination number of [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we investigate the concept of double hop dominating sets and study it for graphs resulting from some binary operations.
Design of a wideband random phase gradient metasurface by using line-shaped element
Authors: Wu Jiangniu , Zhang Yakuan , Su Chen , Sun Jing , Fang Jinyong , Xia Song
Published: November 2020

Based on phase randomization theory, a method for manufacturing metasurface with diffuse scatter performance is proposed. By using the line-shaped elements with random rotate angles and random distributing positions, the metasurface can achieve good diffusion scatter performance with polarization independent characteristic. This paper studies the effects of the length of line-shaped elements on the metasurface response frequency and the radar cross section (RCS) reduction bandwidth. The simulated result shows that the wideband properties of metasurface benefit from two different length line-shaped elements. The proposed metasurface can reduce the RCS significantly for both normal and oblique incident waves. The line-shaped element is suitable for all sizes of detected objects and it can be directly sprayed on the detected object surface. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method, the metasurface prototype is fabricated and measured. Experimental results show that the fabricated metasurface can effectively reduce RCS, and it has great application prospects in stealth technology.
How Do Banks Use Bailout Money? Optimal Capital Structure, New Equity, and the TARP
Authors: Taliaferro Ryan
Published: November 2020

Between October 28, 2008 and June 30, 2009 over 600 banks and bank holding companies accepted money from the United States government in exchange for preferred shares and warrants. Based on a matched sample of banks participating and not participating in this Capital Purchase Program (CPP), of each dollar of new government equity, on average participants levered roughly 13 cents to support increased lending while they used roughly 60 cents to increase their regulatory capital ratios. Over the previous business cycle, 2000–2008, allocation of new capital to support lending was higher than in 2008–2009 by nearly 30 cents per dollar of new capital. Moreover, in the previous downturn, 2000–2001, allocation to new lending was higher by an even greater amount. Banks’ exposure to past-due loans, which was higher in 2008 than in 2000 or in any other sample year, negatively predicts allocation of new capital to new lending. Characteristics of CPP participants suggest they were of two types: those with high commitments and opportunities for new lending, and those with exposures to certain troubled loan classes. Banks with high leverage and high expected costs of regulatory downgrades also were more likely participants. All of these results are consistent with banks having an optimal, target capital structure based on some form of tradeoff theory.
Superconductivity in Two-Orbital Model for s±-Wave Iron-Based Superconductors
Authors: Parida P. K. , Pradhan B.
Published: November 2020

In high-[Formula: see text] superconductors, electrons form pairs and electric transport becomes dissipation-less at low temperatures. The iron-based superconductors (FeSCs) have the highest superconducting (SC) transition temperature next to copper oxides. The gap structure and pairing mechanism for FeSCs are hotly discussed as a central issue since their discovery. A model Hamiltonian for the superconductivity in FeSCs is proposed by a tight-binding two-orbital model. The SC gap, conduction electron density of states, specific heat and energy band structure for the system are calculated. We have proposed here a [Formula: see text]-wave pairing symmetry of the form [Formula: see text] in the model in the mean-field approximation. The model is solved by Zubarev’s double-time Green’s function technique to find the self-consistent gap equation and is solved self-consistently.
Investigation on the Origin of Spin and Pseudospin Symmetries in Atomic Nuclei
Authors: Alsulaimi Afaf A. , El-bayyari Zuheir , Alhendi H. A. , Barakat T.
Published: November 2020

The spin and pseudo-spin symmetries are analytically investigated by solving the three-dimensional Dirac equation for the Kratzer potential plus a ring-shaped potential. Relativistic Schrödinger-like wave equations coupled in energy are derived from Dirac equation. The energy eigenvalues and eigenfunctions are calculated by solving the coupled relativistic radial, and angular wave equations in the framework of asymptotic iteration method. Our numerical results revealed that the spin and pseudo-spin symmetries are relativistic symmetries of the Dirac Hamiltonian. Effects of the angle-dependent potential on the relativistic energy spectra are also investigated. In addition, we include illustrative tables to examine the solutions in detail.
Jahn–Teller Distortion in Two-Orbital Model for s±-Wave Iron-Based Superconductors
Authors: Pradhan B. , Parida P. K.
Published: November 2020

The theoretical aspects of research on the role of Jahn–Teller (JT) interactions in quasi-two-dimensional iron-based high-[Formula: see text] superconductors are analyzed. A model Hamiltonian for the JT distortion in iron-based superconductors is proposed by a tight-binding two-orbital model. We have proposed here a [Formula: see text]-wave pairing symmetry of the form [Formula: see text] in the model in mean-field approximation. The model is solved by Zubarev’s double-time Green’s function technique to find the self-consistent gap equation and is solved self-consistently. The lattice strain energy, specific heat, conduction electron density of states and energy band structure for the system are calculated.
Some topological indices of dendrimers
Authors: Alyar S. , Khoeilar R. , Jahanbani A.
Published: November 2020

There are immense applications of graph theory in chemistry and in the study of molecular structures, and after that, it has been increasing exponentially. Molecular graphs have points (vertices) representing atoms and lines (edges) that represent bonds between atoms. In this paper, we study the molecular graph of porphyrin, propyl ether imine, zinc–porphyrin and poly dendrimers and analyzed its topological properties. For this purpose, we have computed topological indices, namely the Albertson index, the sigma index, the Nano-Zagreb index, the first and second hyper [Formula: see text]-indices of porphyrin, propyl ether imine, zinc–porphyrin and poly dendrimers.
How Much is the Consumption Potential of Citizenized Migrants? — Based on the Estimation of Migrants’ Income Elasticity of Demand in the New Era of China
Authors: CHENG Jie , YIN Xi
Published: November 2020

The economic development and urbanization in China have stepped into a new stage, and the style of migrants’ consumption has changed. We use nationally representative data from China Migrants Dynamic Survey (2010–2017) for the evaluation of migrants’ income elasticity of demand and data from Urban Household Survey for that of local citizens in the new era of China. The results show the following: (1) Migrants’ income elasticity of demand has reached 0.67 since the new era, presenting a sharply rising trend. In 2017, this number rose to 0.72, indicating that the overall consumption behavior of migrants tended to be localized. (2) Compared with the average consumption elasticity of local citizens (around 0.8), migrants’ income elasticity of demand was low, and still had room for improvement. (3) Citizenized migrants play a significant role in stimulating consumption. As estimated with consumption function, if citizenized migrants’ income elasticity of demand converges with that of local citizens, the total consumption will reach 15.8 trillion in 2030, equivalent to 9.3% of GDP of the year. The consumption growth directly driven by citizenized migrants is about 8 trillion yuan, equivalent to 4.7 percentage points of the GDP. Migrants are not only labor forces but also important consumers for urban areas. Therefore, to expand domestic demands and shift economic development paradigm, it is crucial to citizenize migrants as soon as possible by accelerating the construction of new-type urbanization and the reform of household registration system.
Traditional Chinese Culture and the Construction of Ecological Civilization: From Cultural Genes to Practical Behaviors — Case Studies in Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism
Authors: JIANG Wei , ZHANG Haoran
Published: November 2020

Traditional Chinese culture contains the thought of respecting nature and protecting the ecological environment, thus it is of theoretical and practical significance for the construction of ecological civilization in China. This paper uses textual analysis on the works from Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism to explain the cultural genes related to the harmonious development of man and nature, in addition to examining possibilities for adapting the cultural genes in the practice of ecological civilization construction. It concludes that by means of policy guidance and active adaptation, traditional Chinese culture can effectively realize its potential for ecological protection and be integrated into China’s ecological civilization construction.
Generating and Understanding Personalized Explanations in Hybrid Recommender Systems
Authors: Kouki Pigi , Schaffer James , Pujara Jay , O’Donovan John , Getoor Lise
Published: November 2020

Recommender systems are ubiquitous and shape the way users access information and make decisions. As these systems become more complex, there is a growing need for transparency and interpretability. In this article, we study the problem of generating and visualizing personalized explanations for recommender systems that incorporate signals from many different data sources. We use a flexible, extendable probabilistic programming approach and show how we can generate real-time personalized recommendations. We then turn these personalized recommendations into explanations. We perform an extensive user study to evaluate the benefits of explanations for hybrid recommender systems. We conduct a crowd-sourced user study where our system generates personalized recommendations and explanations for real users of the last.fm music platform. First, we evaluate the performance of the recommendations in terms of perceived accuracy and novelty. Next, we experiment with (1) different explanation styles (e.g., user-based, item-based), (2) manipulating the number of explanation styles presented, and (3) manipulating the presentation format (e.g., textual vs. visual). We also apply a mixed-model statistical analysis to consider user personality traits as a control variable and demonstrate the usefulness of our approach in creating personalized hybrid explanations with different style, number, and format. Finally, we perform a post analysis that shows different preferences for explanation styles between experienced and novice last.fm users.
An Effective Fusion and Tile Size Model for PolyMage
Authors: Jangda Abhinav , Bondhugula Uday
Published: November 2020

Effective models for fusion of loop nests continue to remain a challenge in both general-purpose and domain-specific language (DSL) compilers. The difficulty often arises from the combinatorial explosion of grouping choices and their interaction with parallelism and locality. This article presents a new fusion algorithm for high-performance domain-specific compilers for image processing pipelines. The fusion algorithm is driven by dynamic programming and explores spaces of fusion possibilities not covered by previous approaches, and it is also driven by a cost function more concrete and precise in capturing optimization criteria than prior approaches. The fusion model is particularly tailored to the transformation and optimization sequence applied by PolyMage and Halide, two recent DSLs for image processing pipelines. Our model-driven technique when implemented in PolyMage provides significant improvements (up to 4.32×) over PolyMage’s approach (which uses auto-tuning to aid its model) and over Halide’s automatic approach (by up to 2.46×) on two state-of-the-art shared-memory multicore architectures.
BodyWire-HCI
Authors: Maity Shovan , Yang David , Redford Scott Stanton , Das Debayan , Chatterjee Baibhab , Sen Shreyas
Published: November 2020

Communication during touch provides a seamless and natural way of interaction between humans and ambient intelligence. Current techniques that couple wireless transmission with touch detection suffer from the problem of selectivity and security, i.e., they cannot ensure communication only through direct touch and not through close proximity. We present 
BodyWire-HCI
, which utilizes the human body as a wire-like communication channel, to enable human–computer interaction, that for the first time, demonstrates selective and physically secure communication strictly during touch. The signal leakage out of the body is minimized by utilizing a novel, low frequency Electro-QuasiStatic Human Body Communication (EQS-HBC) technique that enables interaction strictly when there is a conductive communication path between the transmitter and receiver through the human body. Design techniques such as capacitive termination and voltage mode operation are used to minimize the human body channel loss to operate at low frequencies and enable EQS-HBC. The demonstrations highlight the impact of 
BodyWire-HCI
in enabling new human–machine interaction modalities for variety of application scenarios such as secure authentication (e.g., opening a door and pairing a smart device) and information exchange (e.g., payment, image, medical data, and personal profile transfer) through touch (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uwrig2XQIH8).
Multimodal Coordination Measures to Understand Users and Tasks
Authors: Chen Siyuan , Epps Julien
Published: November 2020

Physiological and behavioral measures allow computing devices to augment user interaction experience by understanding their mental load. Current techniques often utilize complementary information between different modalities to index load level typically within a specific task. In this study, we propose a new approach utilizing the timing between physiology/behavior change events to index low and high load level of four task types. Findings from a user study where eye, speech, and head movement data were collected from 24 participants demonstrate that the proposed measures are significantly different between low and high load levels with high effect size. It was also found that voluntary actions are more likely to be coordinated during tasks. Implications for the design of multimodal-multisensor interfaces include (i) utilizing event change and interaction in multiple modalities is feasible to distinguish task load levels and load types and (ii) voluntary actions should be allowed for effective task completion.
Privacy Risks, Emotions, and Social Media
Authors: Cho Hichang , Li Pengxiang , Goh Zhang Hao
Published: November 2020

This study proposes a novel coping model of privacy that extends prior privacy work in two important ways: first, the reconceptualization of privacy coping reflecting both problem- and emotion-focused strategies, and second, the incorporation of discrete emotions as a driver of privacy coping. Results from online survey data (
N
= 605) show that Facebook users’ adaptation to privacy risks consists of multifaceted coping strategies that are problem-focused, emotion-focused, and communication-focused. These coping strategies have selective relationships with theoretical antecedents such as cognitive appraisals (i.e., threat appraisals and coping appraisals) and negative emotions (i.e., anger, frustration, regret, and anxiety/fear). Discrete emotions play a crucial functional role in determining users’ coping responses to privacy risks by selectively activating (or deactivating) emotionally congruent (or incongruent) coping strategies. Specifically, approach-associated emotions such as frustration and regret lead to problem-focused privacy coping strategies, whereas avoidance-associated emotions such as anxiety and fear lead to emotion-focused strategies. We also find a new type of privacy coping strategy: communication-focused coping strategies that are affected by regret and anxiety/fear.
Decoding Variants of Reed-Muller Codes over Finite Grids
Authors: Srinivasan Srikanth , Tripathi Utkarsh , Venkitesh S.
Published: November 2020

In a recent article, Kim and Kopparty (2017) gave a deterministic algorithm for the unique decoding problem for polynomials of bounded total degree over a general grid
S
1
× … ×
S
m
. We show that their algorithm can be adapted to solve the unique decoding problem for the general family of
Downset codes
. Here, a downset code is specified by a family
D
of monomials closed under taking factors: The corresponding code is the space of evaluations of all polynomials that can be written as linear combinations of monomials from
D
.
Necessary and Unnecessary Distractor Avoidance Movements Affect User Behaviors in Crossing Operations
Authors: Yamanaka Shota , Stuerzlinger Wolfgang
Published: November 2020

The “crossing time” to pass between objects in lassoing tasks is predicted by Fitts’ law. When an unwanted object, or
obstacle
, intrudes into the user’s path, users curve the stroke to avoid hitting that obstacle. We empirically show that, in the presence of an obstacle, modified Fitts models for pointing with obstacle avoidance can significantly improve the prediction accuracy of movement time compared with standard Fitts’ law. Yet, we also found that when an object is (only) close to the crossing path, i.e., a
distractor
, users still curve their stroke, even though the object does not intrude. We tested the effects of distractor proximity and length. While the crossing motion is modified by a nearby distractor, our results also identify that overall its effect on crossing times was small, and thus Fitts’ law can still be applied safely with distractors.
Polynomiality for Bin Packing with a Constant Number of Item Types
Authors: Goemans Michel X. , Rothvoss Thomas
Published: November 2020

We consider the bin packing problem with
d
different item sizes
s

i

and item multiplicities
a

i

, where all numbers are given in binary encoding. This problem formulation is also known as the
one-dimensional cutting stock problem
. In this work, we provide an algorithm that, for constant
d
, solves bin packing in polynomial time. This was an open problem for all
d\ge 3
. In fact, for constant
d
our algorithm solves the following problem in polynomial time: Given two
d
-dimensional polytopes
P
and
Q
, find the smallest number of integer points in
P
whose sum lies in
Q
. Our approach also applies to
high multiplicity
scheduling problems in which the number of copies of each job type is given in binary encoding and each type comes with certain parameters such as release dates, processing times, and deadlines. We show that a variety of high multiplicity scheduling problems can be solved in polynomial time if the number of job types is constant.
The Subgraph Testing Model
Authors: Goldreich Oded , Ron Dana
Published: November 2020

Following Newman (2010), we initiate a study of testing properties of graphs that are presented as subgraphs of a fixed (or an explicitly given) graph. The tester is given free access to a base graphG= ([n],E) and oracle access to a functionf:E→ {0, 1} that represents a subgraph ofG. The tester is required to distinguish between subgraphs that possess a predetermined property and subgraphs that are far from possessing this property.

We focus on bounded-degree base graphs and on the relation between testing graph properties in the subgraph model and testing the same properties in the bounded-degree graph model. We identify cases in which testing is significantly easier in one model than in the other as well as cases in which testing has approximately the same complexity in both models. Our proofs are based on the design and analysis of efficient testers and on the establishment of query-complexity lower bounds.
Myeloid interleukin-4 receptor α is essential in postmyocardial infarction healing by regulating inflammation and fibrotic remodeling
Authors: Song Jianrui , Frieler Ryan A. , Whitesall Steven E. , Chung Yutein , Vigil Thomas M. , Muir Lindsey A. , Ma Jun , Brombacher Frank , Goonewardena Sascha N. , Lumeng Carey N. , Goldstein Daniel R. , Mortensen Richard M.
Published: November 2020

This study showed, for the first time, the role of endogenous IL4Rα signaling in myeloid cells during cardiac remodeling and the underlying mechanisms. We identified myeloid cells are the critical target cell types of IL4Rα signaling during cardiac remodeling post-MI. Deficiency of myeloid IL4Rα signaling causes deteriorated cardiac function post-MI, due to dysregulated inflammation and insufficient fibrotic remodeling. This study sheds light on the potential of activating myeloid-specific IL4Rα signaling to modify remodeling post-MI. This brings hope to patients with MI and diminishes side effects by cell type-specific instead of whole body treatment.
Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction diminishes peripheral hemodynamics and accelerates exercise-induced neuromuscular fatigue
Authors: Weavil J. C. , Thurston T. S. , Hureau T. J. , Gifford J. R. , Kithas P. A. , Broxterman R. M. , Bledsoe A. D. , Nativi J. N. , Richardson R. S. , Amann M.
Published: November 2020

The susceptibility to neuromuscular fatigue during exercise is substantially exaggerated in individuals with heart failure with a preserved ejection fraction. The faster rate of fatigue development is associated with the compromised peripheral hemodynamic response characterizing these patients during exercise. Given the role of neuromuscular fatigue as a factor limiting exercise, this impairment likely accounts for a significant portion of the exercise intolerance typical for this population.
Extracellular vesicles enriched with miR-150 released by macrophages regulates the TP53-IGF-1 axis to alleviate myocardial infarction
Authors: Zheng Suxia , Gong Maolei , Chen Jing
Published: November 2020

miR-150 is expressed at a low level in cardiac tissues after myocardial infarction. Macrophages-derived EVs transfer miR-150 to cardiomyocytes. miR-150 directly targets TP53. miR-150 elevation regulates TP53-IGF-1 axis to reduce cardiomyocyte apoptosis. EV-derived miR-150 could be a potential therapeutic target for myocardial infarction.
Peroxynitrite decomposition catalyst enhances respiratory function in isolated brain mitochondria
Authors: Albuck Aaron L. , Sakamuri Siva S. V. P. , Sperling Jared A. , Evans Wesley R. , Kolli Lahari , Sure Venkata N. , Mostany Ricardo , Katakam Prasad V. G.
Published: November 2020

Mitochondria generate superoxide and nitric oxide that could potentially react with each other to produce PN. We observed eNOS and nNOS immunoreactivity in isolated brain and heart mitochondria with pharmacological inhibition of nNOS found to modulate the mitochondrial respiratory function. This study provides evidence of generation of functionally significant PN in isolated brain mitochondria that affects respiratory function under physiological conditions. Importantly, the mitochondrial PN levels and activity were exaggerated in the eNOS-deficient mice, suggesting its pathological significance.
Acute effects of interrupting prolonged sitting on vascular function in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Taylor Frances C. , Dunstan David W. , Homer Ashleigh R. , Dempsey Paddy C. , Kingwell Bronwyn A. , Climie Rachel E. , Owen Neville , Cohen Neale D. , Larsen Robyn N. , Grace Megan , Eikelis Nina , Wheeler Michael J. , Townsend Melanie K. , Maniar Nirav , Green Daniel J.
Published: November 2020

This is the first trial to examine both the effects of interrupting prolonged sitting on vascular function in type 2 diabetes and the effects of the frequency and duration of interruptions. Brief, simple resistance activity bouts every 30 min, but not every 60 min, increased mean femoral artery flow-mediated dilation over 7 h, relative to uninterrupted sitting. With further supporting evidence, these initial findings can have important implications for cardiovascular health in type 2 diabetes.
Enhanced sympathetic neurotransduction in the superior mesenteric artery in a rat model of heart failure: role of noradrenaline and ATP
Authors: Blanco-Rivero Javier , Couto Gisele K. , Paula Suliana M. , Fontes Milene T. , Rossoni Luciana V.
Published: November 2020

This study reinforces the pivotal role of noradrenergic innervation in the regulation of mesenteric vascular tone in a rat model of heart failure. Moreover, our results highlight the counteracting role of ATP and NA reuptake, and help to understand the signaling pathways involved on the control of vascular tonus and resistance in heart failure postmyocardial infarction.
Acute effects of electronic cigarettes on arterial pressure and peripheral sympathetic activity in young nonsmokers
Authors: Gonzalez Joshua E. , Cooke William H.
Published: November 2020

The JUUL e-cigarette is the most popular e-cigarette in the market. In the present study, inhaling on a JUUL e-cigarette increased mean arterial pressure and heart rate, and decreased muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA). In contrast, inhaling on a placebo e-cigarette without nicotine elicited no sympathomimetic effects. Although previous tobacco cigarette studies have demonstrated increased mean arterial pressure and MSNA inhibition, ours is the first study to report similar responses while inhaling on an e-cigarette.
Adaptation of ventricular repolarization time following abrupt changes in heart rate: comparisons and reproducibility of repeated atrial and ventricular pacing
Authors: Axelsson Karl-Jonas , Gransberg Lennart , Lundahl Gunilla , Vahedi Farzad , Bergfeldt Lennart
Published: November 2020

During atrial pacing, the CL decreased on average 45% from mean (SD) 944 (120) to 518 (46) ms and QT decreased on average 18% from 388 (20) to 318 (17) ms. For QT, T90 End was 103 (24) s and 126 (15) s after start versus stop of atrial pacing; a difference of 24 (27) s ( P = 0.006). The response pattern was similar for τ but IR did not differ significantly between pacing start and stop. The response pattern was similar for QTpeak and also for QT and QTpeak following ventricular pacing start and stop. The coefficients of variation for repeated measures were 7%–21% for T90 End and τ. In conclusion, the adaptation of VR duration was significantly more rapid following increasing than decreasing HR and intraindividually a relatively reproducible process.
Influence of hormonal contraceptives on peripheral vascular function and structure in premenopausal females: a review
Authors: Williams Jennifer S. , MacDonald Maureen J.
Published: November 2020

Hormonal contraceptives are one of the most widely used prescriptions for premenopausal women worldwide. Although the risk of venous and arterial cardiovascular events (e.g., deep vein thrombosis, arterial clotting) with hormonal contraceptives, specifically oral contraceptive pills, has been established, the literature on early risk indicators, such as peripheral vascular structure and function has yet to be consolidated. The purpose of this review is to summarize literature examining the impact of different hormonal contraceptives on vascular function and structure, including consideration of phasic differences within a contraceptive cycle, and to propose future directions for research. It is evident that hormonal contraceptive use appears to impact both macrovascular and microvascular endothelial function, with phasic differences in some contraceptive types dependent on progestin type, the ratio of ethinyl estradiol-to-progestin, and route of administration. However, hormonal contraceptives do not appear to impact smooth muscle function in the macrovasculature or microvasculature, arterial stiffness, or vascular structure. Underlying mechanisms for observed impacts and areas of future research are discussed. This review provides timely consolidation of research examining hormonal contraceptives and peripheral vascular function and structure and provides guidance on considerations for hormonal contraceptive use in study design.
Large artery stiffness and brain health: insights from animal models
Authors: Winder Nick R. , Reeve Emily H. , Walker Ashley E.
Published: November 2020

There are no effective treatments available to halt or reverse the progression of age-related cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease. Thus, there is an urgent need to understand the underlying mechanisms of disease etiology and progression to identify novel therapeutic targets. Age-related changes to the vasculature, particularly increases in stiffness of the large elastic arteries, are now recognized as important contributors to brain aging. There is a growing body of evidence for an association between greater large artery stiffness and cognitive impairment among both healthy older adults and patients with Alzheimer’s disease. However, studies in humans are limited to only correlative evidence, whereas animal models allow researchers to explore the causative mechanisms linking arterial stiffness to neurocognitive dysfunction and disease. Recently, several rodent models of direct modulation of large artery stiffness and the consequent effects on the brain have been reported. Common outcomes among these models have emerged, including evidence that greater large artery stiffness causes cerebrovascular dysfunction associated with increased oxidative stress and inflammatory signaling. The purpose of this mini-review is to highlight the recent findings associating large artery stiffness with deleterious brain outcomes, with a specific focus on causative evidence obtained from animal models. We will also discuss the gaps in knowledge that remain in our understanding of how large artery stiffness affects brain function and disease outcomes.
The Prevalence of Undiagnosed Age-Related Sight-Threatening Diseases in Self-Proclaimed Healthy Individuals
Authors: Lemmens Sophie , Barbosa Breda João , Van Keer Karel , Jacobs Tine , Van Landeghem Ruben , De Boever Patrick , Stalmans Ingeborg
Published: November 2020

Background. Age-related conditions such as glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and cataract have become the major cause of visual impairment and blindness in high-income countries. The aim of the current study is to investigate the prevalence of these eye diseases in a cohort of self-proclaimed healthy elderly and thus get a rough estimation of the prevalence of undiagnosed age-related eye conditions in the Belgian population. Methods. Individuals aged 55 and older without ophthalmological complaints were asked to fill in a general medical questionnaire and underwent an ophthalmological examination, which included a biomicroscopic examination, intraocular pressure measurement, axial length measurement, and acquisition of fundus pictures and optical coherence tomography scans. Information regarding follow-up was collected in those who received the advice of referral to an ophthalmologist or the advice to have more frequent follow-up visits, based on their study evaluation. Results. The cohort included 102 people and comprised 46% men (median age 70 years, range 57–85 years). Referral for additional examinations was made in 26 participants (25%). The advice to have more regular follow-up ophthalmologist visits was given to nine additional participants (9%). No significant correlations between baseline characteristics and the need for referral could be identified. Follow-up information was available for 25 out of 26 referred volunteers. Out of these, four underwent a therapeutic intervention based on study referral, up until 18 months after study participation. All four interventions took place in the age group 65–74 years. Conclusions. This study shows that, even in an elderly population with self-proclaimed healthy eyes and good general health, a significant proportion of subjects showed ocular findings that need regular follow-up and/or intervention. The frequency of prior ophthalmological examinations does not seem to be relevant to this proportion, meaning that everyone above 55 years old needs a routine ophthalmological evaluation.
In Vivo Evaluation of the Antitumor and Immunogenic Properties of Silver and Sodium Dichloroacetate Combination against Melanoma
Authors: Torres-Cavazos Zaida , Franco-Molina Moisés Armides , Santana-Krímskaya Silvia Elena , Rodríguez-Padilla Cristina , Kawas-Garza Jorge Ramsy , Hernández-Vidal Gustavo , Moreno-Degollado Gustavo , Zamora-Ávila Diana Elisa
Published: November 2020

Our main focus was to evaluate the efficacy of silver and sodium dichloroacetate as dual-function agents to be used in melanoma treatment. This strategy is designed to increase the activity of these two compounds that affect DNA integrity and the mitochondria at different levels. Furthermore, we evaluated if the cell death mechanism induced by our treatments was immunogenic cell death. To evaluate antitumor efficacy, we assessed tumor volume and production of tumor necrosis factor-α, nuclear factor κ B (both by ELISA), and nitric oxide levels (Nitrate/Nitrite colorimetric assay kit); for immunogenic cell death, we evaluated the release of danger-associated molecular patterns using immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry, as well as an in vivo challenge. Our results showed that the combination of colloidal silver and sodium dichloroacetate is more effective than each treatment alone and that the antitumor mechanism is not through immunogenic cell death. Furthermore, this study can broadly contribute to the development of dichloroacetate-loaded silver nanoparticles and to the design targeted pharmacological formulations to fight melanoma as well as other types of cancer.
The BER of the New FSO Receiver Manufactured by RTCVD and Solar Cell Technology
Authors: Hu Qinggui , Wenguang Long
Published: November 2020

In the free-space optical (FSO) communication system, alignment and coupling are key issues. In this work, we adopt a PIN photodiode board as the new receiver to address this question. Firstly, with rapid thermochemical vapor deposition (RTCVD) and solar cell technology, the PIN photodiode board is manufactured. Then, using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM), the microphotographs of the PIN photodiode are taken. After that, the PIN board is arranged as a new receiver in the FSO system to do a bit error rate (BER) experiment. In total, we have carried out 4 groups of experiments. The BERs of the ordinary receiver are as follows: (10−8.5, 10−8, 10−8, and 10−7.9) and that of the new receiver is (10−9.2, 10−9.1, 10−9.1, and 10−9), respectively. It means the BER of the new receiver is lower. In other words, the new receiver performs better.
Energy Levels in Nanowires and Nanorods with a Finite Potential Well
Authors: Gulyamov G. , Gulyamov A. G. , Davlatov A. B. , Juraev Kh. N.
Published: November 2020

The energy of electrons and holes in cylindrical quantum wires with a finite potential well was calculated by two methods. An analytical expression is approximately determined that allows one to calculate the energy of electrons and holes at the first discrete level in a cylindrical quantum wire. The electron energy was calculated by two methods for cylindrical layers of different radius. In the calculations, the nonparabolicity of the electron energy spectrum is taken into account. The dependence of the effective masses of electrons and holes on the radius of a quantum wires is determined. An analysis is made of the dependence of the energy of electrons and holes on the internal and external radii, and it is determined that the energy of electrons and holes in cylindrical layers with a constant thickness weakly depends on the internal radius. The results were obtained for the InP/InAs heterostructures.
The Contributive Role of IGFBP-3 and Mitochondria in Synoviocyte-Induced Osteoarthritis through Hypoxia/Reoxygenation Injury: A Pathogenesis-Focused Literature Review
Authors: Gululi Daniel , Bounda Guy-Armel , Li Jianping , Li Haohuan
Published: November 2020

Osteoarthritis (OA), one of the most common joint disorders, is characterized by chronic progressive cartilage degradation, osteophyte formation, and synovial inflammation. OA lesions are not only located in articular cartilage but also in the entire synovial joint. Nevertheless, most of the early studies done mostly focused on the important role of chondrocyte apoptosis and cartilage degeneration in the pathogenesis and progress of OA. The increased expression of hypoxia-inducible factors (HIF-1α and HIF-2α) is known to be the cellular and biochemical signal that mediates the response of chondrocytes to hypoxia. The role of the synovium in OA pathogenesis had been poorly evaluated. Being sensitive to hypoxia/reoxygeneration (H/R) injury, fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) play an essential role in cartilage degradation during the course of this pathology. Insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3) acts as the main carrier of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) in the circulation and remains the most abundant among the six IGFBPs. Synovial fluids of OA patients have markedly increased levels of IGFBP-3. We aim to discuss the interconnected behavior of IGFBP-3 and synoviocytes during the course of osteoarthritis pathogenesis, especially under the influence of hypoxia-inducible factors. In this review, we present information related to the essential role that is played by IGFBP-3 and mitochondria in synoviocyte-induced osteoarthritis through H/R injury. Little research has been done in this area. However, strong evidences show that the level of IGFBP-3 in synovial fluid significantly increased in OA, inhibiting the binding of IGF-1 to IGFR 1 (IGF receptor-1) and therefore the inhibition of cell proliferation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first paper providing a comprehensive explanatory contribution of IGFBP-3 and mitochondria in synovial cell-induced osteoarthritis through hypoxia/reoxygenation mechanism.
Effect of Genetic-Environmental Interaction on Chinese Childhood Myopia
Authors: Zhang Xiyan , Wang Yan , Pan Chenwei , Yang Wenyi , Xiang Yao , Yang Jie , Zhang Fengyun
Published: November 2020

Objective. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of genetic-environmental interaction on myopia in Chinese children aged 6 to 9 years. Methods. Students had the physical examination and were required to provide basic demographic information. Their families were asked to fill in a questionnaire concerning factors related to myopia. Multiple regression analysis was performed, and adjusted risk ratio values were calculated to assess the role between gene and environment. Value of the environmental and genetic index (EGI) was calculated to demonstrate the effect of genetic-environmental interaction on myopia. Results. The prevalence of myopia maintained at a high level. EGI was calculated as 0.125 suggesting that genetic factors may play the 12.5% role in the formation of myopia and environmental factors may play a role of 87.5% in the formation of myopia. Conclusions. For young pupils aged 6 to 9 years, myopia prevalence maintained at a high level, and duration of homework time and staring at electronic screen were the strongest factors associated with myopia. The calculated value of EGI was low, which suggests that environmental factors may play the leading role in the formation of myopia. A long-term follow-up research to improve the accuracy value of EGI is our next job.
Bearing Intelligent Fault Diagnosis Based on Wavelet Transform and Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Guo Junfeng , Liu Xingyu , Li Shuangxue , Wang Zhiming
Published: November 2020

As one of the important parts of modern mechanical equipment, the accurate real-time diagnosis of rolling bearing is particularly important. Traditional fault diagnosis methods have some disadvantages, such as low diagnostic accuracy and difficult fault feature extraction. In this paper, a method combining Wavelet transform (WT) and Deformable Convolutional Neural Network (D-CNN) is proposed to realize accurate real-time fault diagnosis of end-to-end rolling bearing. The vibration signal of rolling bearing is taken as the monitoring target. Firstly, the Orthogonal Matching Pursuit (OMP) algorithm is used to remove the harmonic signal and retain the impact signal and noise. Secondly, the time-frequency map of the signal is obtained by time-frequency transform using Wavelet analysis. Finally, the D-CNN is used for feature extraction and classification. The experimental results show that the accuracy of the method can reach 99.9% under various fault modes, and it can accurately identify the fault of rolling bearing.
Integrating Semantic Zoning Information with the Prediction of Road Link Speed Based on Taxi GPS Data
Authors: Bing He , Zhifeng Xu , Yangjie Xu , Jinxing Hu , Zhanwu Ma
Published: November 2020

Road link speed is one of the important indicators for traffic states. In order to incorporate the spatiotemporal dynamics and correlation characteristics of road links into speed prediction, this paper proposes a method based on LDA and GCN. First, we construct a trajectory dataset from map-matched GPS location data of taxis. Then, we use the LDA algorithm to extract the semantic function vectors of urban zones and quantify the spatial dynamic characteristics of road links based on taxi trajectories. Finally, we add semantic function vectors to the dataset and train a graph convolutional network to learn the spatial and temporal dependencies of road links. The learned model is used to predict the future speed of road links. The proposed method is compared with six baseline models on the same dataset generated by GPS equipped on taxis in Shenzhen, China, and the results show that our method has better prediction performance when semantic zoning information is added. Both composite and single-valued semantic zoning information can improve the performance of graph convolutional networks by 6.46% and 8.35%, respectively, while the baseline machine learning models work only for single-valued semantic zoning information on the experimental dataset.
Changing Expression Profiles and Inclination to Competing Endogenous RNA Networks on MAPK Signaling Pathways of Human Adipose‐Derived Stem Cells in a Direct Current Electric Field
Authors: Jin Mingzhu , Zhang Yujing , Bian Yuanyuan , Qi Ruiqun , Gao Xinghua
Published: November 2020

Adipose‐derived stem cells (ADSCs) are an abundant cell source and provide an easy way to harvest mesenchymal stem cells, which are the focus of considerable attention in regenerative medicine. Electric fields (EF) play roles in many biological events and have been reported to promote cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation. In this study, ADSCs were treated with a direct current electric field (DCEF) of either 0 (control group) or 300 mV/mm (EF group) for six hours. RNA screening and analysis revealed that 66, 164, 26, and 1310 circRNAs, lncRNAs, miRNAs, and mRNAs, respectively, were differentially expressed in the DCEF‐treated ADSCs compared with untreated ADSCs. Differentially expressed mRNAs were enriched in the MAPK signaling pathway, TNF signaling pathway, and some other pathways. ANXA1, ERRFI1, JAG1, EPHA2, PRR9, and H2AFY2 were related to the keratinocyte differentiation process. Competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks were constructed on the basis of genes in the MAPK signaling pathway. Twenty‐one RNAs in the above networks were randomly chosen, and their expression was validated using qRT‐PCR, which showed the same expression trends as the RNA sequencing analysis. The MAPK signaling pathway is of great importance in the ADSC processes that occur in a DCEF, including keratinocyte differentiation. Several ceRNAs may participate in the regulation of MAPK signaling. This study may give new insight into the proliferation, migration, and differentiation of ADSCs, which will be valuable for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.