Resource Management in Machine Scheduling Problems: A Survey

The paper is a survey devoted to job scheduling problems with resource allocation. We present the results available in the scientific literature for commonly used models of job processing times and job release dates, i.e., the models in which the job processing time or the job release date is given as a linear or convex function dependent on the amount of the additional resource allotted to the job. The scheduling models with resource dependent processing times or resource dependent release dates extend the classical scheduling models to reflect more precisely scheduling problems that appear in real life. Thus, in this paper we present the computational complexity results and solution algorithms that have been developed for this kind of problems

Badanie echokardiograficzne płodu przed i po zabiegu aspiracji torbieli jajnika

Abstract The main criteria for establishing fetal ovarian cysts prognosis are their diameter and echogenicity. The choice of management in case of fetal ovarian cyst remains controversial. In the following article we have reported a case of a fetal ovarian cyst with detailed fetal echocardiography before and after prenatal aspiration. The fetus at 35 weeks of gestation presented with an ovarian cyst of 70mm in diameter and normal heart anatomy and size. However, detailed fetal echocardiography revealed functional abnormalities such as: monophasic inflow pattern of tricuspid valve, holosystolic tricuspid regurgitation and pericardial effusion. Two days after prenatal aspiration of the cyst, the functional abnormalities in fetal echocardiography receded. After prenatal aspiration we observed a residual cyst of 15mm in maximal diameter. The delivery was spontaneous at 36th week of pregnancy and the infant was discharged from Neonatology Dept on the sixth day of postnatal life. The cyst regressed spontaneously in the course of the next two months. This is the first report when detailed fetal echocardiography revealed hemodynamic improvement after prenatal aspiration of a fetal ovarian cyst which may mean that huge fetal ovarian cysts might complicate fetal heart function.Streszczenie W rokowaniu u płodów z torbielą jajnika brany jest pod uwagę rozmiar zmiany i jej echogeniczność. Jednak wybór postępowania w przypadku torbieli jajnika jest wciąż kontrowersyjny. Przedstawiliśmy przypadek płodu z torbielą jajnika poddaną prenatalnej aspiracji, u którego przed i po zabiegu wykonano badanie echokardiograficzne. W 35 tygodniu ciąży stwierdzono u płodu torbiel jajnika o średnicy 70mm, natomiast budowa i wielkość serca były prawidłowe. W badaniu echokardiograficznym stwierdzono zaburzenia czynnościowe pod postacią: monofazowego napływu przez zastawkę trójdzielną, niedomykalności zastawki trójdzielnej i wysięku w osierdziu. Dwa dni po prenatalnej aspiracji torbieli zmiany czynnościowe ustąpiły. W wykonanym dwa dni po zabiegu badaniu ultrasonograficznym opisano torbiel o średnicy 15mm. Pacjentka urodziła w 36 tygodniu ciąży, noworodka wypisano do domu w 6 dobie po porodzie. W ciągu następnych dwóch miesięcy torbiel uległa całkowitej regresji. Opisaliśmy po raz pierwszy przypadek, w którym w badaniach echokardiograficznych zarejestrowano poprawę stanu hemodynamicznego po prenatalnej aspiracji torbieli jajnika u płodu co może świadczyć o wpływie obecności dużej torbieli jajnika u płodu na funkcję jego serca

Scheduling Jobs with Linear Model of Simultaneous Ageing and Learning Effects

In the paper, we introduce some new scheduling model in which learning and aging effects are both considered simultaneously. In this model the actual processing time of the jobs depends only on its position in a schedule and can be described by the piecewise linear function. For single-processor problem with introduced model, we show that the problem of minimizing the makespan criterion for independent jobs with release dates is strongly NPhard, but some special cases of this problem are polynomially solvable. Based on those special cases, we propose 4 heuristic algorithms and we experimentally examine their usefulness for solving the general problem

Maternal hyperoxygenation test in prediction of fetal lung hypoplasia – preliminary report

Summary Objectives: The aim of our study was to present the detailed execution and interpretation of the hyperoxygenation test in the fetus. Material and methods: This was a retrospective investigation of fetuses examined in The Department for Diagnosis and Prophylaxis of Congenital Malformations (Polish Mother’s Memorial Hospital Institute and Medical University in Lodz) between January 2006 and December 2009, in whom in addition to the routine echocardiographic examination the hyperoxygenation test was performed. Indications for such an extended evaluation were suspected fetal malformations and pulmonary hypoplasia. Changes in the fetal pulmonary circulation before and after maternal exposure to hyperoxygenated air together with the newborn follow-up were analyzed. Results: Clinical outcome was available for 42 of 52 cases: 16 patients died (including 11 cases with negative hyperoxygenation test), whereas 24 patients were discharged home (including 17 cases with positive hyperoxygenation test). The probability of survival for fetuses with the positive test was significantly higher than for fetuses with the negative one (p=0.016, Fischer’s exact test). Conclusions: Based on changes evoked in the fetal pulmonary circulation, the hyperoxygenation test seems helpful in predicting impaired fetal lung development Functional assessment of the fetal pulmonary circulation may be useful in predicting fetal lung hypoplasia and respiratory failure in the neonate

Treatment goal attainment for secondary prevention in coronary patients with or without diabetes mellitus : Polish multicenter study POLASPIRE

Introduction: Cardiovascular disease is still a leading cause of death in Poland and across Europe. The aim of this study was to assess the attainment of the main treatment goals for secondary cardiovascular prevention in coronary patients with or without diabetes mellitus (DM) in Poland. Material and methods: The study group included 1026 patients (65.5 ±9 y.o.; males: 72%) included at least 6 months after the index hospitalisation for myocardial infarction, unstable angina, elective percutaneous coronary intervention or coronary artery bypass surgery. The target and treatment goals were defined according to the 2016 European Society of Cardiology guidelines on cardiovascular prevention. Results: Patients with DM (n = 332; 32%) were slightly older compared to non-diabetic (n = 694) individuals (67.2 ±7 vs. 64.6 ±9 years old; p < 0.0001). The DM goal was achieved in 196 patients (60%). The rate of primary (LDL: 51% vs. 35%; p < 0.0001) and secondary (non-HDL: 56% vs. 48%; p < 0.02) goal attainment was higher in DM(+) compared to DM(–) patients. The rate of target blood pressure was lower in DM(+) than in normoglycemic patients (52% vs. 61% at < 140/90 mm Hg, p < 0.01. As expected, goal achievement of normal weight (9.5% vs. 19%; p < 0.0001) and waist circumference (7% vs. 15%; p < 0.001) was lower in diabetic patients and the rate of regular physical activity was similar (DM+ 12% vs. DM– 14%; p = ns). Finally, there was no difference in active smokers (DM+ 23% vs. DM– 22%; p = ns). Conclusions: Great majority of Polish patients in secondary prevention do not achieve treatment goals. Although lipid goals attainment is better in DM and the rate of smokers is similar, the management of all risk factors needs to be improved

Assessment of the usefulness of ultrasound screening in fetal ovarian cysts

Abstract Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess the usefulness of ultrasound in management and prognosis in fetal ovarian cysts. Material and methods: The study included 38 fetuses with cyst in abdominal cavity, who, between 1995 and 2006, underwent an ultrasound examination in our unit at the Polish Mother’s Memorial Hospital in Lodz , The Department for Diagnosis and Prevention of Birth Defects. Results: In all 38 fetuses with cyst in abdominal cavity we have diagnosed 27 (74%) cases of ovarian cyst. In 14 (74%) fetuses cysts regressed spontaneously, including all cysts ≤40mm (n=7). In 3 cases with cysts &gt;40mm needle aspiration has been successfully performed, without any further complications. Surgical neonatal treatment has been performed in 5 cases in prenatal cysts &gt;40mm without prenatal aspiration. In 3 cases cysts &gt;40mm regressed spontaneously. Ovarian cysts in 22 (81%) cases were an isolated malformation; in 5 (19%) cases other malformations were present. Conclusions: 1. Fetal ovarian cysts ≤40mm required only ultrasound assessment and, in majority of cases, revealed the tendency to spontaneous regression. 2. Cysts &gt;40mm in maximal diameter have signaled complications more often and required surgical procedure after birth. 3. In utero, aspiration of fetal ovarian cyst &gt;40mm may lead to cyst regression, making the surgery after birth unnecessary

Fetal echocardiography in fetal ovarian cysts

Abstract Objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate the outcome of fetuses with ovarian cysts in relation to fetal echocardiography. Material and methods: In the Department for Diagnosis and Prophylaxis of Birth Defects at the Polish Mother's Memorial Hospital in Lodz fetal echocardiography was performed in 21 fetuses with ovarian cysts between the years 1995-2006. Outcomes: In 18 out of 21 (86%) fetuses we have found normal heart anatomy (NHA) and in 3 fetuses congenital heart defect (CHD). In 7 out of 18 (39%) fetuses with NHA there were functional anomalies, including 5 fetuses with hypertrophy. Four neonates with hypertrophy required surgical procedures after the delivery. Prenatal hypertrophy was not observed in case of only one neonate which was operated after the delivery. Conclusions: 1. Fetal echocardiography studies were very often abnormal in fetus with ovarian cysts (mainly as functional anomalies). 2. Functional anomalies detected in fetal echocardiography more often resulted in surgical procedures after the birth, whereas normal heart study was more often connected with spontaneous regression of ovarian cyst (p=0,0265)

T-Cell Exhaustion in HIV-1/Hepatitis C Virus Coinfection Is Reduced After Successful Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis C.

BACKGROUND T-cell responses during chronic viral infections become exhausted, which is reflected by upregulation of inhibitory receptors (iRs) and increased interleukin 10 (IL-10). We assessed 2 iRs-PD-1 (programmed cell death protein 1) and Tim-3 (T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-containing protein 3)-and IL-10 mRNAs in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and their soluble analogs (sPD-1, sTim-3, and IL-10) in plasma in chronic HIV-1/hepatitis C virus (HCV) coinfection and explored the effect of HCV treatment on these markers. We also aimed to establish whether iR expression may be determined by the HCV CD8+ T-cell immunodominant epitope sequence. METHODS Plasma and PBMCs from 31 persons with chronic HIV-1/HCV coinfection from the Swiss HIV Cohort Study were collected before and after HCV treatment. As controls, 45 persons who were HIV-1 negative with chronic HCV infection were recruited. Exhaustion markers were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in plasma and by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction in PBMCs. Analysis of an HCV epitope sequence was conducted by next-generation sequencing: HLA-A*02-restricted NS31073-1081 and NS31406-1415 and HLA-A*01-restricted NS31436-1444. RESULTS The study revealed higher plasma sPD-1 (P = .0235) and IL-10 (P = .002) levels and higher IL-10 mRNA in PBMCs (P = .0149) in HIV-1/HCV coinfection. A decrease in plasma sPD-1 (P = .0006), sTim-3 (P = .0136), and IL-10 (P = .0003) and Tim-3 mRNA in PBMCs (P = .0210) was observed following successful HCV treatment. Infection with the HLA-A*01-restricted NS31436-1444 ATDALMTGY prototype variant was related to higher sTim-3 levels than infection with the ATDALMTGF escape variant (P = .0326). CONCLUSIONS The results underscore the synergistic effect of coinfection on expression of exhaustion markers, their reduction following successful HCV treatment and imply that iR levels may operate on an epitope-specific manner

T-Cell Exhaustion in HIV-1/Hepatitis C Virus Coinfection Is Reduced After Successful Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis C

BACKGROUND T-cell responses during chronic viral infections become exhausted, which is reflected by upregulation of inhibitory receptors (iRs) and increased interleukin 10 (IL-10). We assessed 2 iRs-PD-1 (programmed cell death protein 1) and Tim-3 (T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-containing protein 3)-and IL-10 mRNAs in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and their soluble analogs (sPD-1, sTim-3, and IL-10) in plasma in chronic HIV-1/hepatitis C virus (HCV) coinfection and explored the effect of HCV treatment on these markers. We also aimed to establish whether iR expression may be determined by the HCV CD8$^{+}$ T-cell immunodominant epitope sequence. METHODS Plasma and PBMCs from 31 persons with chronic HIV-1/HCV coinfection from the Swiss HIV Cohort Study were collected before and after HCV treatment. As controls, 45 persons who were HIV-1 negative with chronic HCV infection were recruited. Exhaustion markers were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in plasma and by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction in PBMCs. Analysis of an HCV epitope sequence was conducted by next-generation sequencing: HLA-A*02-restricted NS3$_{1073-1081}$ and NS3$_{1406-1415}$ and HLA-A*01-restricted NS3$_{1436-1444}$. RESULTS The study revealed higher plasma sPD-1 (P = .0235) and IL-10 (P = .002) levels and higher IL-10 mRNA in PBMCs (P = .0149) in HIV-1/HCV coinfection. A decrease in plasma sPD-1 (P = .0006), sTim-3 (P = .0136), and IL-10 (P = .0003) and Tim-3 mRNA in PBMCs (P = .0210) was observed following successful HCV treatment. Infection with the HLA-A*01-restricted NS3$_{1436-1444}$ ATDALMTGY prototype variant was related to higher sTim-3 levels than infection with the ATDALMTGF escape variant (P = .0326). CONCLUSIONS The results underscore the synergistic effect of coinfection on expression of exhaustion markers, their reduction following successful HCV treatment and imply that iR levels may operate on an epitope-specific manner

Secondary prevention of coronary artery disease in Poland : results from the POLASPIRE survey

Background: The highest priority in preventive cardiology is given to patients with established coronary artery disease (CAD). The aim of the study was to assess the current implementation of the guidelines for secondary prevention in everyday clinical practice by evaluating control of the main risk factors and the cardioprotective medication prescription rates in patients following hospitalization for CAD. Methods: Fourteen departments of cardiology participated in the study. Patients (aged <= 80 years) hospitalized due an acute coronary syndrome or for a myocardial revascularization procedure were recruited and interviewed 6-18 months after the hospitalization. Results: Overall, 947 patients were examined 6-18 months after lwspitalization. The proportion of patients with high blood pressure (>= 140/90 mmHg) was 42%, with high low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C >= 1.8 mmol/L) 62%, and with high fasting glucose (>= 7.0 mmol/L) 22%, 17% of participants were smokers and 42% were obese. The proportion of atients taking an antiplatelet agent 6-18 months after hospitalization was 93%, beta-blacker 89%, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor or sartan 86%, and a lipid-lowering drug 90%. Only 2.3% patients had controlled all the five main risk factors well (non-smoking, blood pressure < 140190 mmHg, LDL-C < 1.8 mmoIlL and glucose < 7.0 mmoilL, body mass index < 25 kg/m(2)), while 179% had 1 out of 5, 40.9% had 2 out of 5, and 29% had 3 out of 5 risk factors uncontrolled. Conclusions: The documented multicenter survey provides evidence that there is considerable potential for further reductions of cardiovascular risk in CAD patients in Poland. A revision of the state funded cardiac prevention programs seems rational