Polyhedral studies for minimum-span graph labelling with integer distance constraints

This paper studies the polytope of the minimum‐span graph labelling problems with integer distance constraints (DC‐MSGL). We first introduce a few classes of new valid inequalities for the DC‐MSGL defined on general graphs and briefly discuss the separation problems of some of these inequalities. These are the initial steps of a branch‐and‐cut algorithm for solving the DC‐MSGL. Following that, we present our polyhedral results on the dimension of the DC‐MSGL polytope, and that some of the inequalities are facet defining, under reasonable conditions, for the polytope of the DC‐MSGL on triangular graphs.     

Clock Faults Induced Min and Max Delay Violations

In this paper, we show that clock faults producing duty-cycle variations, which have been proven very likely, can give rise to min or max delay violations. This mandates new, specific testing approaches for clock faults, to avoid them to compromise the system correct operation in the field, with dramatic effects on product quality and defect level. We then introduce a new scheme that can be employed to detect the clock faults causing duty-cycle variations.     

Simple high-performance liquid chromatographic method for determination of losartan and E-3174 metabolite in human plasma, urine and dialysate

A simple high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method was developed for the determination of losartan and its E-3174 metabolite in human plasma, urine and dialysate. For plasma, a gradient mobile phase consisting of 25 mM potassium phosphate and acetonitrile pH 2.2 was used with a phenyl analytical column and fluorescence detection. For urine and dialysate, an isocratic mobile phase consisting of 25 mM potassium phosphate and acetonitrile (60:40, v/v) pH 2.2 was used. The method demonstrated linearity from 10 to 1000 ng/ml with a detection limit of 1 ng/ml for losartan and E-3174 using 10 microl of prepared plasma, urine or dialysate. The method was utilized in a study evaluating the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic effects of losartan in patients with kidney failure undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD).     

Use of concurrent chemotherapy, accelerated fractionation radiation, and surgery for patients with esophageal carcinoma

BACKGROUND: The results of a Phase II study of concurrent chemotherapy and accelerated fractionation radiation therapy followed by surgical resection for patients with both adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus are presented. Pretreatment and postinduction staging were correlated with pathologic findings at surgery to assess the role of surgical resection and the predictive value of noninvasive staging techniques. METHODS: Patients received 2 induction courses with 4-day continuous intravenous infusions of cisplatin (20 mg/m2/day) and 5-fluorouracil (1000 mg/m2/day) beginning on Day 1 and Day 21, concurrent with a split course of accelerated fractionation radiation (1.5 grays [Gy] twice daily, to a total dose of 45 Gy). All patients were subsequently referred for surgical resection. A single, identical postoperative course of chemotherapy and 24 Gy accelerated fractionation radiation was planned for patients with residual tumor at surgery. RESULTS: Seventy-four patients were entered on this study; 72 patients were considered eligible and evaluable. Induction toxicity included nausea (85%), increased dysphagia (90%), neutropenia (<1000/mm3) (43%), thrombocytopenia (<20,000/mm3) (10%), and reversible nephrotoxicity (8%). Sixty-seven patients (93%) underwent surgery, and 65 (90%) were found to have resectable tumors. Twelve of these patients (18%) died perioperatively, and 18 (27%) had no residual pathologic evidence of disease. Resolution of symptoms and normalization of radiographic studies, endoscopy, or esophageal ultrasound did not identify pathologic complete responders accurately. No patient completing induction therapy and surgery experienced a locoregional recurrence. The Kaplan-Meier 4-year projected recurrence free and overall survival rates were 49% and 44%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Although this regimen is feasible, there was significant preoperative toxicity and perioperative mortality. Nonetheless, the recurrence free and overall survival rates were encouraging. However, no staging tool can predict a pathologic complete response after induction therapy accurately, suggesting a continued need for surgical resection.     

Using a real-time integrated communication system to monitor the progress and quality of construction works

Site monitoring is an indispensable procedure in construction quality control. It does not only minimize construction defects and human errors but also supports project team members making strategic decisions at critical points throughout the construction stages. This paper presents a cost-effective construction site monitoring system integrating a long-range wireless network, network cameras, and a web-based collaborative platform. The system supports simultaneous user access therefore project team members could view real-time captured images or video of a construction site, discuss and exchange ideas with gadgets such as video conference, text and shared whiteboard at a distance via the Internet. It was carefully configured in order to maintain the reliability under the reactive conditions of the construction sites. The system has been implemented and tested on two construction sites and promising results were obtained.