Testing of Error-Correcting Sparse Permutation Channel Codes

A computer program performs Monte Carlo direct numerical simulations for testing sparse permutation channel codes, which offer strong error-correction capabilities at high code rates and are considered especially suitable for storage of digital data in holographic and volume memories. A word in a code of this type is characterized by, among other things, a sparseness parameter (M) and a fixed number (K) of 1 or "on" bits in a channel block length of N

Photonic band-gap engineering for volume plasmon polaritons in multiscale multilayer hyperbolic metamaterials

We theoretically study the propagation of large-wavevector waves (volume plasmon polaritons) in multilayer hyperbolic metamaterials with two levels of structuring. We show that when the parameters of a subwavelength metal-dielectric multilayer ("substructure") are modulated ("superstructured") on a larger, wavelength scale, the propagation of volume plasmon polaritons in the resulting multiscale hyperbolic metamaterials is subject to photonic band gap phenomena. A great degree of control over such plasmons can be exerted by varying the superstructure geometry. When this geometry is periodic, stop bands due to Bragg reflection form within the volume plasmonic band. When a cavity layer is introduced in an otherwise periodic superstructure, resonance peaks of the Fabry-Perot nature are present within the stop bands. More complicated superstructure geometries are also considered. For example, fractal Cantor-like multiscale metamaterials are found to exhibit characteristic self-similar spectral signatures in the volume plasmonic band. Multiscale hyperbolic metamaterials are shown to be a promising platform for large-wavevector bulk plasmonic waves, whether they are considered for use as a new kind of information carrier or for far-field subwavelength imaging.Comment: 12 pages, 10 figures, now includes Appendix

Myokines as a promising marker of metabolic disorders and physical activity

Currently, about 82 myokines identified and their number is increasing. It is shown that the major regulator of myokine expression and production is exercise. The expression level of IL-6 is dependent on the amount of muscle mass involved in contraction. It is assumed that the decrease in the partial pressure of oxygen, the increase in [Ca2+]i ratio and AMP/ATP (exercise response) are major regulator of transcriptome and proteome changes in the skeletal muscle cells, including a myokine set

Vascular Smooth Muscle as an Oxygen Sensor: Role of Elevation of the [Na+]i/[K+]i

The article presents a review of data from our own research and data obtained by other authors about the role of intracellular sodium (Nai+) and potassium (Ki+) in transcriptomic changes in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) during hypoxia. It was found that acute hypoxia suppressed [K+]o and phenylephrine-induced contractions of aortic rings through voltage-gated as well as by Cai2+- and ATP-sensitive K+ channels; 24-h incubation of VSMC in ischemic conditions resulted in attenuation of ATP content, elevation of [Na+]i and loss of [K+]i. Dissipation of Na+ and K+ gradients in low-Na+, high-K+ medium completely eliminated increment in Fos, Atf3, Ptgs2 and Per2 mRNAs and sharply diminished augmentation of Klf10, Edn1, Nr4a1 and Hes1 expression evoked by hypoxia. All these data suggest that Nai+/Ki+-mediated signaling contribute to transcriptomic changes in VSMC subjected to sustained hypoxia

Erythrocytes as regulators of blood vessel tone

A drop in oxygen partial pressure results in elevation of blood vessel diameter. It has been demonstrated that isolated vessels exhibit this unique feature only when they are perfused in the presence of erythrocytes. More recently, it was shown that haemoglobin plays a key role in oxygen sensing. Its deoxygenated form interacts with band 3 protein, triggering the cascade of non-identified intracellular signals involved in nitric oxide production and release of ATP interacting with P2Y purinergic receptors in endothelial cells. In this review, we summarize the data on mechanisms of ATP release from erythrocytes, as well as on its physiological and pathophysiological implications

Dynamic and Static Exercises Differentially Affect Plasma Cytokine Content in Elite Endurance- and Strength-Trained Athletes and Untrained Volunteers

Extensive exercise increases the plasma content of IL-6, IL-8, IL-15, leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), and several other cytokines via their augmented transcription in skeletal muscle cells. However, the relative impact of aerobic and resistant training interventions on cytokine production remains poorly defined. In this study, we compared effects of dynamic and static load on cytokine plasma content in elite strength- and endurance-trained athletes vs. healthy untrained volunteers. The plasma cytokine content was measured before, immediately after, and 30 min post-exercise using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Pedaling on a bicycle ergometer increased IL-6 and IL-8 content in the plasma of trained athletes by about 4- and 2-fold, respectively. In contrast to dynamic load, weightlifting had negligible impact on these parameters in strength exercise-trained athletes. Unlike IL-6 and IL-8, dynamic exercise had no impact on IL-15 and LIF, whereas static load increases the content of these cytokines by ~50%. Two-fold increment of IL-8 content seen in athletes subjected to dynamic exercise was absent in untrained individuals, whereas the ~50% increase in IL-15 triggered by static load in the plasma of weightlifting athletes was not registered in the control group. Thus, our results show the distinct impact of static and dynamic exercises on cytokine content in the plasma of trained athletes. They also demonstrate that both types of exercises differentially affect cytokine content in plasma of athletes and untrained persons

Retrieval of Effective Parameters of Subwavelength Periodic Photonic Structures

We revisit the standard Nicolson–Ross–Weir method of effective permittivity and permeability restoration of photonic structures for the case of subwavelength metal-dielectric multilayers. We show that the direct application of the standard method yields a false zero-epsilon point and an associated spurious permeability resonance. We show how this artifact can be worked around by the use of the cycle shift operator to the periodic multilayer in question

Changes in the plasma levels of myokines after different physical exercises in athletes and untrained individuals

The influence of dynamic and static load on the plasma level of myokines in strength-and endurance-trained athletes and untrained subjects has been studied. The range of myokines has been found to depend on the type of loads and the level of fitness. Dynamic and static exercises have different effects on the level of myokines in athletes and untrained subjects. The dynamic load increases the level of IL-6 and IL-8 in the plasma of athletes, while the static load increases the concentration of IL-15 and LIF. At the same time, no increase in the level of IL-8 after cyclic loading or in IL-15 after a static load has been observed in the control group. These differences may be based on a number of mechanisms. The cellular composition of skeletal muscles and the phenotypic features of muscle fibers, changing as a result of regular exercise, can modify the processes of myokine production. However, the processes of transcription in muscle fibers are much more important; the most important ones are HIF-1α, [Ca2+]i and [Na+]i/[K+]i-dependent intracellular signaling pathways. The modification of these mechanisms caused by different physical loads and intensity is of great interest since it is a promising way to influence the metabolic processes at the cellular and systemic levels, which is very helpful in both improving athletic performance and correcting metabolic disorders in a number of socially significant diseases