A cutting plane approach for the single-product assembly system design problem

This paper evaluates a new branch-and-cut approach, establishing a computational benchmark for the single-product, assembly system design (SPASD) problem. Our approach, which includes a heuristic, preprocessing, and two cutgenerating methods, outperformed OSL in solving a set of 102 instances of the SPASD problem. The approach is robust; test problems show that it can be applied to variations of the generic SPASD problem that we encountered in industry.     

Léa Sombé und entropie-optimale Informationsverarbeitung mit der Expertensystem-Shell SPIRIT

Zusammenfassung Die Repräsentation und Verarbeitung unsicheren Wissens in einer mathematisch korrekten und berechenbaren Weise ist eines der zentralen Anliegen der Künstlichen Intelligenz. Am Beispiel der schon berühmt gewordenen Studentin Léa Sombé aus [27] zeigen wir in dieser Arbeit, wie subjektives, unvollständiges Wissen in einer probabilistischen Wissensbasis dargestellt und als Grundlage für Inferenzen dienen kann. Dies wird durch entropie-optimalen Abgleich von Verteilungen erreicht. Diese in der Expertensystem-Shell SPIRIT implementierte Methodik zeichnet sich nicht nur durch gute Berechenbarkeit aus, sondern gestattet auch dank der hier aufgezeigten Kompatibilität mit der Konditionallogik eine logisch profunde Informationsverarbeitung.     

Expressed sequences as candidates for a novel tumor suppressor gene at band 13q14 in B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia and mantle cell lymphoma

Deletions affecting the interval between the RB1 gene and marker D13S25 at band 13q14 are the most frequent genetic abnormalities of B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) and indicate the presence of a novel tumor suppressor gene in this region. In the current study, a high resolution physical map of fragments spanning one megabasepair (Mb) of genomic DNA at the critical 13q14 segment was constructed. To define the minimal region of loss within the RB1 and D13S25 interval, we screened 322 B-CLLs for deletions at either of the two loci. Thirty mantle cell lymphomas (MCLs) were included in the analysis because we observed a 13q14 deletion pattern similar to B-CLL in this disease. The incidence of 13q14 deletions was 51% in B-CLL and 70% in MCL, respectively. No frequent loss of the BRCA2 gene at band 13q12 was found. Detailed deletion mapping at band 13q14 with probes from the RB1-D13S25 interval lead to the identification of a critical deletion region 400 kb in size. Within this region two segments were most frequently affected, one at D13S272 120 kb in size and another 240 kb distal of D13S272 80 kb in size. From these two segments expressed sequences were identified as candidates for the putative 13q14 tumor suppressor gene involved in the pathogenesis of B-CLL and MCL.     

Cardiac pacemaker infection: surgical management with and without extracorporeal circulation

BACKGROUND: Pacemaker infections are rare, but serious complications of pacemaker therapy. The generator pocket, the pacing leads, or both may be involved. METHODS: We report on 12 patients with infected pacemaker systems. Four patients suffered from localized generator pocket infections, 6 had infected leads, and 2 patients had both. Pacemaker systems were completely removed in all patients. When the infection was limited to the generator pocket, the pacemaker system was removed at the original implantation site. Extracorporeal circulation was employed for the explantation of infected pacing leads. RESULTS: No complications occurred in patients with localized generator pocket infections. One patient with infected leads who was preoperatively already in a serious clinical condition died of septic shock in the early postoperative period; another patient died of pulmonary complications after tricuspid valve replacement 14 months after pacemaker explantation. No recurrent infections were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Explantation of the complete pacemaker system has proved a reliable method to eradicate infection. Complications have been rare, except in patients in a critically ill state who undergo cardiopulmonary bypass.     

Prescribing the Content and Timing of Product Upgrades

Demand for a family of high-technology products such as notebook computers erodes over time as competitors introduce new products that incorporate improved technologies. A manufacturer may compensate for this by applying the model formulated in this paper to prescribe the content and timing of upgrades to maximize total profit over the life cycle of the product family. The model deals with economies of scale that might be achieved by the upgrading process. It provides decision support by integrating decisions of relevant organizations in the enterprise: marketing (e.g., marketing strategy, pricing), product design engineering, process design engineering, and supply chain management (e.g., suppliers, production, outsourcing, inventory, backorders, and distribution). The paper presents a branch-and-price solution approach that employs an effective, new method for solving associated subproblems. Computations evaluate the efficacy of the solution approach and examples demonstrate contexts in which managers might apply the model to advantage.     

Interexaminer reliability in physical examination of the neck

Calcium and phosphate incompatibility in the total parenteral nutrient (TPN) solutions is a common problem especially in neonates. Their combinations in TPN admixture must be tested before use. We here investigated the compatibility of calcium and phosphate in TPN solutions containing a newborn amino acid product, Vaminolact. The TPN test-solutions contained 10 per cent dextrose, 1, 2, or 3 per cent Vaminolact, 4 mmole/L of magnesium sulphate and various combinations of calcium gluconate and dipotassium phosphate. Precipitations and crystallizations were inspected visually and microscopically after 24 hours standing at room temperature. Solubility curves were made by plotting the maximum concentrations of calcium and phosphate at which both were still compatible in the solution. Such curves are extremely helpful for clinicians and pharmacists to administer maximum calcium and phosphate dose for individual patient requirement.     

A methodology for validating the renewable energy data in EU

The multidimensional character of renewable energy sources (RES) necessitates the collection of a number of related data in order to support EU policy needs. Apart from the technology and techno-physical data also socioeconomic (e.g. employment, turnover) data and R&D expenditures are of critical relevance. The monitoring of the above RES data with respect to the existing targets for RES is of significant importance. In addition to this, even though significant data gathering efforts have been implemented, a lot of fragmented data and deduced findings are currently available, which sometimes lack consistency and verification. As a result, RES data validation and completion capacity is needed in the framework of the European Union (EU) energy policy. In addition to this, agreed and validated RES data can help energy policy makers and relevant stakeholders answering to pressing energy socio-economics’ and sustainability issues. In this context, the main aim of the paper is to present a reference methodology for validating the RES Data in the EU. The development of the methodology is mainly based on the review of existing methods and ends up with recommendations for improvements in RES data aggregation and statistical interpretation, taking into consideration the related analysis of statisticians, energy technology experts and energy socio-economists.