The exact domination number of the generalized Petersen graphs

AbstractLet G=(V,E) be a graph. A subset S⊆V is a dominating set of G, if every vertex u∈V−S is dominated by some vertex v∈S. The domination number, denoted by γ(G), is the minimum cardinality of a dominating set. For the generalized Petersen graph G(n), Behzad et al. [A. Behzad, M. Behzad, C.E. Praeger, On the domination number of the generalized Petersen graphs, Discrete Mathematics 308 (2008) 603–610] proved that γ(G(n))≤⌈3n5⌉ and conjectured that the upper bound ⌈3n5⌉ is the exact domination number. In this paper we prove this conjecture

Model and algorithm of two-stage distribution location routing with hard time window for city cold-chain logistics

Taking cold-chain logistics as the research background and combining with the overall optimisation of logistics distribution networks, we develop two-stage distribution location-routing model with the minimum total cost as the objective function and varying vehicle capacity in different delivery stages. A hybrid genetic algorithm is designed based on coupling and collaboration of the two-stage routing and transfer stations. The validity and feasibility of the model and algorithm are verified by conducting a randomly generated test. The optimal solutions for different objective functions of two-stage distribution location-routing are compared and analysed. Results turn out that for different distribution objectives, different distribution schemes should be employed. Finally, we compare the two-stage distribution location-routing to single-stage vehicle routing problems. It is found that a two-stage distribution location-routing system is feasible and effective for the cold-chain logistics network, and can decrease distribution costs for cold-chain logistics enterprises.Peer ReviewedPostprint (published version

Bis(1-adamantylammonium) hexafluoridogermanate

The title compound, (C10H18N)2[GeF6], was obtained hydro­thermally from an aqueous solution of GeO2, H3BO3, NiCl2, adamantylammonium chloride, butanol and hydro­fluoric acid. The structure consists of discrete bis(1-adamantylammonium) cations lying on crystallographic mirror planes and hexa­fluoridogermanate anions disordered about sites of 2/m point symmetry. In the latter, the Ge atom lies on the site of 2/m symmetry, one F atom lies on the mirror plane and two further F atoms are included in general positions with 50% site occupancy. The cations and anions lie in layers with N—H⋯F hydrogen bonds formed between them

Optimization of urban distribution centres: a multi-stage dynamic location approach

Customer demand is dynamic and changeable; thus, optimality of the enterprise’s initial location cannot be guaranteed throughout the planning period in order to minimize site selection cost and maximize service reliability in the whole operation cycle. The enterprise planning period is divided into different stages, and a static location model is established at the fixed stage. In addition, a multi-stage dynamic location model is established by introducing the transfer cost between adjacent stages. To reduce the difficulty of solving the dynamic location model, first, we determined the optimal site selection and allocation strategy for each stage. Second, we designed a novel method that transforms the multi-stage dynamic location problem into the shortest path problem in graph theory. Finally, the Dijkstra algorithm was used to find the optimal dynamic location sequence so that its cumulative cost was the lowest in the whole planning period. Through a case study in China, we compare the costs of static and dynamic locations and the location cost under different objectives. The results show that this dynamic location generates more income (as it reduces cost) in comparison to the previous static location, and different location objectives have a substantial influence on location results. At the same time, the findings indicate that exploring the problem of enterprise location from a dynamic perspective could help reduce the operating cost and resources from a sustainable development perspective.Postprint (published version

Fractalkine is expressed in the human ovary and increases progesterone biosynthesis in human luteinised granulosa cells

Background: Recent evidence from rodent ovaries has demonstrated expression of fractalkine and the existence of fractalkine receptor, and showed that there is a significant increase in steroidogenesis in response to fractalkine, yet the role of fractalkine and CX3CR1 in the human ovary is still unknown. This study aimed to determine the expression levels of fractalkine and CX3CR1 in the human ovary and to investigate their roles in sexual hormone biosynthesis by human luteinising granulosa cells. This is the first detailed report of fractalkine and CX3CR1 expression and function in the human ovary. Methods: Fractalkine and CX3CR1 expression levels were measured by immunohistochemistry using ovarian tissue from pathological specimens from five individuals. Granulosa cells were obtained from patients during IVF treatment. They were cultured and treated with increasing doses of hCG with or without fractalkine. Media were collected to detect estradiol and progesterone by chemiluminescence. StAR, 3 beta HSD and CYP11A expression were determined in granulosa cells treated with or without fractalkine by real-time RT-PCR. Results: Fractalkine and CX3CR1 were expressed in the human ovary and in luteinising granulosa cells. However, fractalkine expression was stronger in luteinising granulosa cells. Treatment with fractalkine augmented hCG stimulation of progesterone production in a dose-dependent manner with concomitant increases in transcript levels for key steroidogenic enzymes (StAR, 3-beta HSD and CYP11A) but had no effect on estradiol biosynthesis(P < 0.05). Conclusions: Fractalkine and CX3CR1 were found to express in human ovary and luteinising granulosa cells. Fractalkine can increase the biosynthesis of progesterone in a dose-dependent manner by enhancing transcript levels of key steroidogenic enzymes.http://gateway.webofknowledge.com/gateway/Gateway.cgi?GWVersion=2&SrcApp=PARTNER_APP&SrcAuth=LinksAMR&KeyUT=WOS:000292939500001&DestLinkType=FullRecord&DestApp=ALL_WOS&UsrCustomerID=8e1609b174ce4e31116a60747a720701Endocrinology & MetabolismReproductive BiologySCI(E)PubMed2ARTICLE95

Long-term efficacy of non-steroid immunosuppressive agents in anti-muscle-specific kinase positive myasthenia gravis patients: a prospective study

Background and Purpose: Anti-muscle-specific kinase (MuSK) positive myasthenia gravis (MG) is characterized by a high relapsing rate, thus, choosing the appropriate oral drug regimen is a challenge. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of oral immunosuppressants (IS) in preventing relapse in MuSK-MG. Methods: This prospective cohort observational study included patients with MuSK-MG at Peking Union Medical College Hospital between January 1, 2018, and November 15, 2021. The patients were divided into 2 groups: those with (IS+) or without (IS-) non-steroid immunosuppressive agents. The primary outcome was relapsed at follow-up, and the log-rank test was used to compare the proportion of maintenance-free relapse between the groups; hazard ratio (HR) was calculated using the Cox proportional hazards models. Results: Fifty-three of 59 patients with MuSK-MG were included in the cohort, 14 were in the IS+ group, and 39 were in the IS- group. Twenty-four cases in the cohort experienced relapse at least once; the relapse rate was 2/14 (14.3%) in the IS+ group and 22/39 (56.4%) in the IS- group. At the end of follow-up, the proportion of maintenance-free relapse was significantly different between the two groups (log-rank χ2 = 4.94, P = 0.02). Of all the potential confounders, only the use of IS was associated with a reduced risk of relapse. The HR for relapse among patients in the IS+ group was 0.21 (95%CI 0.05–0.58) and was 0.23 (95%CI 0.05–0.93) in a model adjusted for age, sex, relapse history, highest Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (MGFA), and accumulated time of steroid therapy. Conclusions: This study provides evidence that oral non-steroid immunosuppressive agents may be beneficial in reducing relapse in patients with MuSK-MG

PTSD and DNA Methylation in Select Immune Function Gene Promoter Regions: A Repeated Measures Case-Control Study of U.S. Military Service Members

Background: The underlying molecular mechanisms of PTSD are largely unknown. Distinct expression signatures for PTSD have been found, in particular for immune activation transcripts. DNA methylation may be significant in the pathophysiology of PTSD, since the process is intrinsically linked to gene expression. We evaluated temporal changes in DNA methylation in select promoter regions of immune system-related genes in U.S. military service members with a PTSD diagnosis, pre- and post-diagnosis, and in controls. Methods: Cases (n = 75) had a post-deployment diagnosis of PTSD in their medical record. Controls (n = 75) were randomly selected service members with no PTSD diagnosis. DNA was extracted from pre- and post-deployment sera. DNA methylation (%5-mC) was quantified at specific CpG sites in promoter regions of insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2), long non-coding RNA transcript H19, interleukin-8 (IL8), IL16, and IL18 via pyrosequencing. We used multivariate analysis of variance and generalized linear models to calculate adjusted means (adjusted for age, gender, and race) to make temporal comparisons of %5-mC for cases (pre- to post-deployment) versus controls (pre- to post-deployment). Results: There were significant differences in the change of %5-mC pre- to post-deployment between cases and controls for H19 (cases: +0.57%, controls: −1.97%; p = 0.04) and IL18 (cases: +1.39%, controls: −3.83%; p = 0.01). For H19 the difference was driven by a significant reduction in %5-mC among controls; for IL18 the difference was driven by both a reduction in %5-mC among controls and an increase in %5-mC among cases. Stratified analyses revealed more pronounced differences in the adjusted means of pre-post H19 and IL18 methylation differences for cases versus controls among older service members, males, service members of white race, and those with shorter deployments (6–12 months). Conclusion: In the study of deployed personnel, those who did not develop PTSD had reduced %5-mC levels of H19 and IL18 after deployment, while those who did develop PTSD had increased levels of IL18. Additionally, pre-deployment the people who later became cases had lower levels of IL18 %5-mC compared with controls. These findings are preliminary and should be investigated in larger studies

Association of TRB3 Q84R polymorphism with polycystic ovary syndrome in Chinese women

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Tribbles 3 (TRB3) affects insulin signalling by inhibiting insulin-stimulated Akt phosphorylation and subsequent activation. A single nucleotide polymorphism located in the second extron of the human TRB3 gene is thought to be associated with insulin resistance. The latter is a core abnormality in PCOS independent of obesity. The present study was designed to clarify the relationships of TRB3 Q84R polymorphism with PCOS in a Chinese women group.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A case-control study with two groups: PCOS group (n = 336) and control group of infertility women for tubal and/or male factor (n = 116) was performed. Genotyping of the TRB3 R84 variant was determined by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP).</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The frequency of genotype QQ in PCOS women was significantly lower, while genotype QR and RR were significantly higher than that in control group (p < 0.05). However, the difference disappeared after adjustment for BMI. At glucose1h, glucose2h and insulin2h point, the difference between QQ individuals and R84 allele carriers in PCOS women reached statistical significance during OGTT (p < 0.05).</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>TRB3 Q84R polymorphism is associated with obesity and especially glucose metabolism and not associated with polycystic ovary syndrome because of compositional characteristics of phenotype in Chinese PCOS women.</p