Optimal synchronization of ABD networks

We present in this paper a simple and efficient synchronizer algorithm for Asynchonous Bounded Delay Networks. In these networks each processor has a local clock, and the message delay is bounded by a known constant. The algorithm improves on an earlier synchronizer for this network model, presented by Cou et al. Moreover, using a mathematical model for this type of synchronizer, we show that the round time of new synchronizer is optimal

The Firefighter Problem: A Structural Analysis

We consider the complexity of the firefighter problem where b>=1 firefighters are available at each time step. This problem is proved NP-complete even on trees of degree at most three and budget one (Finbow et al.,2007) and on trees of bounded degree b+3 for any fixed budget b>=2 (Bazgan et al.,2012). In this paper, we provide further insight into the complexity landscape of the problem by showing that the pathwidth and the maximum degree of the input graph govern its complexity. More precisely, we first prove that the problem is NP-complete even on trees of pathwidth at most three for any fixed budget b>=1. We then show that the problem turns out to be fixed parameter-tractable with respect to the combined parameter "pathwidth" and "maximum degree" of the input graph

The economic value of rapid deployment aortic valve replacement via full sternotomy

Aim: To compare the economic value of EDWARDS INTUITY EliteTM (EIE) valve system for rapid-deployment aortic valve replacement (RDAVR) in a full sternotomy (FS) approach (EIE-FS-RDAVR) versus FS-AVR using conventional stented bioprosthesis. Data & methods: A simulation model to compare each treatment’s 30-day inpatient utilization and complication rates utilized: clinical end points obtained from the TRANSFORM trial patient subset (EIE-FS-RDAVR) and a best evidence review of the published literature (FS-AVR); and costs from the Premier database and published literature. Results: EIE-FS-RDAVR costs $800 less than FS-AVR per surgery episode attributable to lowered complication rates and utilization. Combined with the lower mortality, EIE-FS-RDAVR was a superior (dominant) technology versus FS-AVR. Conclusion: This preliminary investigation of EIE-FS-RDAVR versus conventional FS- AVR found the EIE valve offered superior economic value over a 30-day period. Real- world analyses with additional long-term follow-up are needed to evaluate if this result can be replicated over a longer timeframe

Environmental Exposure to Polychlorinated Biphenyls and p,p´-DDE and Sperm Sex-Chromosome Disomy

Background: Chromosomal abnormalities contribute substantially to reproductive problems, but the role of environmental risk factors has received little attention

Definition of Estrogen Receptor Pathway Critical for Estrogen Positive Feedback to Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Neurons and Fertility

SummaryThe mechanisms through which estrogen regulates gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons to control mammalian ovulation are unknown. We found that estrogen positive feedback to generate the preovulatory gonadotropin surge was normal in estrogen receptor β knockout (ERβ) mutant mice, but absent in ERα mutant mice. An ERα-selective compound was sufficient to generate positive feedback in wild-type mice. As GnRH neurons do not express ERα, estrogen positive feedback upon GnRH neurons must be indirect in nature. To establish the cell type responsible, we generated a neuron-specific ERα mutant mouse line. These mice failed to exhibit estrogen positive feedback, demonstrating that neurons expressing ERα are critical. We then used a GnRH neuron-specific Pseudorabies virus (PRV) tracing approach to show that the ERα-expressing neurons innervating GnRH neurons are located within rostral periventricular regions of the hypothalamus. These studies demonstrate that ovulation is driven by estrogen actions upon ERα-expressing neuronal afferents to GnRH neurons

Constraint Generation Algorithm for the Minimum Connectivity Inference Problem

Given a hypergraph $H$, the Minimum Connectivity Inference problem asks for a graph on the same vertex set as $H$ with the minimum number of edges such that the subgraph induced by every hyperedge of $H$ is connected. This problem has received a lot of attention these recent years, both from a theoretical and practical perspective, leading to several implemented approximation, greedy and heuristic algorithms. Concerning exact algorithms, only Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP) formulations have been experimented, all representing connectivity constraints by the means of graph flows. In this work, we investigate the efficiency of a constraint generation algorithm, where we iteratively add cut constraints to a simple ILP until a feasible (and optimal) solution is found. It turns out that our method is faster than the previous best flow-based MILP algorithm on random generated instances, which suggests that a constraint generation approach might be also useful for other optimization problems dealing with connectivity constraints. At last, we present the results of an enumeration algorithm for the problem.Comment: 16 pages, 4 tables, 1 figur

Male reproductive health and environmental xenoestrogens

EHP is a publication of the U.S. government. Publication of EHP lies in the public domain and is therefore without copyright. Research articles from EHP may be used freely; however, articles from the News section of EHP may contain photographs or figures copyrighted by other commercial organizations and individuals that may not be used without obtaining prior approval from both the EHP editors and the holder of the copyright. Use of any materials published in EHP should be acknowledged (for example, "Reproduced with permission from Environmental Health Perspectives") and a reference provided for the article from which the material was reproduced.Male reproductive health has deteriorated in many countries during the last few decades. In the 1990s, declining semen quality has been reported from Belgium, Denmark, France, and Great Britain. The incidence of testicular cancer has increased during the same time incidences of hypospadias and cryptorchidism also appear to be increasing. Similar reproductive problems occur in many wildlife species. There are marked geographic differences in the prevalence of male reproductive disorders. While the reasons for these differences are currently unknown, both clinical and laboratory research suggest that the adverse changes may be inter-related and have a common origin in fetal life or childhood. Exposure of the male fetus to supranormal levels of estrogens, such as diethlylstilbestrol, can result in the above-mentioned reproductive defects. The growing number of reports demonstrating that common environmental contaminants and natural factors possess estrogenic activity presents the working hypothesis that the adverse trends in male reproductive health may be, at least in part, associated with exposure to estrogenic or other hormonally active (e.g., antiandrogenic) environmental chemicals during fetal and childhood development. An extensive research program is needed to understand the extent of the problem, its underlying etiology, and the development of a strategy for prevention and intervention.Supported by EU Contract BMH4-CT96-0314

Abolition of male sexual behaviors in mice lacking estrogen receptors alpha and beta (alpha beta ERKO)

Male mice with a knockout of the estrogen receptor (ER)-α gene, a ligand-activated transcription factor, showed reduced levels of intromissions and no ejaculations whereas simple mounting behavior was not affected. In contrast, all components of sexual behaviors were intact in male mice lacking the novel ER-β gene. Here we measure the extent of phenotype in mice that lack both ER-α and ER-β genes (αβERKO). αβERKO male mice did not show any components of sexual behaviors, including simple mounting behavior. Nor did they show ultrasonic vocalizations during behavioral tests with receptive female mice. On the other hand, reduced aggressive behaviors of αβERKO mice mimicked those of single knockout mice of ER-α gene (αERKO). They showed reduced levels of lunge and bite aggression, but rarely showed offensive attacks. Thus, either one of the ERs is sufficient for the expression of simple mounting in male mice, indicating a redundancy in function. Offensive attacks, on the other hand, depend specifically on the ER-α gene. Different patterns of natural behaviors require different patterns of functions by ER genes

Patients with type A acute aortic dissection presenting with major brain injury: Should we operate on them?

none20siopenDi Eusanio, Marco*; Patel, Himanshu J.; Nienaber, Christoph A.; Montgomery, Daniel M.; Korach, Amit; Sundt, Thoralf M.; Devincentiis, Carlo; Voehringer, Matthias; Peterson, Mark D.; Myrmel, Truls; Folesani, Gianluca; Larsen, Magnus; Desai, Nimesh D.; Bavaria, Joseph E.; Appoo, Jehangir J.; Kieser, Teresa M.; Fattori, Rossella; Eagle, Kim; Di Bartolomeo, Roberto; Trimarchi, SantiDi Eusanio, Marco; Patel, Himanshu J.; Nienaber, Christoph A.; Montgomery, Daniel M.; Korach, Amit; Sundt, Thoralf M.; Devincentiis, Carlo; Voehringer, Matthias; Peterson, Mark D.; Myrmel, Truls; Folesani, Gianluca; Larsen, Magnus; Desai, Nimesh D.; Bavaria, Joseph E.; Appoo, Jehangir J.; Kieser, Teresa M.; Fattori, Rossella; Eagle, Kim; Di Bartolomeo, Roberto; Trimarchi, Sant